In a heated exchange on Wednesday, the Congress Party demanded an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allegedly making false assurances regarding the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops before assuming office in 2014. The party's spokesperson, Pawan Khera, emphasized that they no longer seek the government's commitment to MSP but instead vowed to fulfill the demand themselves, a promise reiterated by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who pledged to enshrine MSP as a legal right if the party returns to power.
Responding to the Congress's assertion, Union minister Anurag Thakur criticized the announcement, asserting that Congress's guarantees have proven futile, and the nation places its trust solely in the assurances made by Modi.
Khera contended that the Congress is committed to providing relief to 150 million farmer families once in power. Addressing concerns about the economic impact of MSP, Khera clarified that ensuring MSP does not imply colossal losses to the exchequer. He clarified that the government would purchase only what it requires at MSP, and the surplus would not be sold in the market below that specified price.
Backing his argument, Khera presented a video clip of Modi purportedly pledging to implement MSP based on the recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission. He insisted that Modi owed an apology for failing to fulfill this commitment, especially after promising a "solution" for MSP following the repeal of the controversial farm laws in 2021.
Dismissive of allegations that the previous Congress-led government neglected the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations, Khera asserted that they had implemented 175 out of 201 of the suggestions. He also criticized the measures taken to quell the farmer march to Delhi, questioning the legal authority for roadblocks and highlighting similar concerns raised by the courts.
Accusing Modi of avoiding direct confrontation with protestors, Khera noted the contrast with Congress leaders such as Manmohan Singh, Pranab Mukherjee, and Sheila Dixit, who engaged directly with the public. However, Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee leader Sarwan Singh Pandher contended on Tuesday that the Congress shared responsibility for farmers' problems.
As political tensions rise, the focus remains on the MSP issue, with the Congress seeking accountability and the ruling party defending its track record. The unfolding narrative underscores the complexities surrounding agricultural policies and their impact on millions of farmers across the nation.