Whether it is the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party or the Opposition Congress, whichever forms the Government in Chhattisgarh, people of the State are likely to get rice at cheaper price.
The Congress during the campaigning promised to provide rice free of cost while the the BJP had announced to provide rice at a subsidised rate of one rupee per kg. The State witnessed election for the 90-seat Assembly on November 11 and 19. The results are expected December 8. The new Government is expected to place its annual budget in the Assembly in February next year. Since the electioneering for the lok Sabha election is likely to start in March, the ruling party is likely to keep its promise by necessary provision for the rice scheme in the budget for 2014-2015.
Sources said that the present Government has already started preparation for the budget as it expects to retain power for the third consecutive time in the State. If the BJP retains power, it will be able to keep its word without much hurdle. It has already implementing a subsidised rice scheme and providing rice at one rupee per kg to some limited poor families in the state.
On the other hand, if the Congress forms the Government, there may be some changes in the budgetary provisions which are usually prepared by the bureaucrats. Both the parties have also announced to provide interest free loans to the farmers. Either the Congress or the BJP, whichever party comes to power, they would also be interested to keep this promise too, experts said.