Mahayuti Rift Widens: Fadnavis Government Red-Flags MSP Schemes, "Payoffs" Under Ex-CM Eknath Shinde | Political Pulse News
As the ruling coalition in Maharashtra continues to grapple with internal tensions, the BJP-led government has red-flagged the minimum support price (MSP) schemes and "payoffs" under the previous administration headed by Eknath Shinde. In an order issued on February 17, the government has set up a committee to formulate a comprehensive policy on MSP schemes and selection of nodal agencies for crop procurement.
What’s at Stake?
The decision by the Fadnavis government has raised questions about the decisions taken under the previous government when Shinde was heading the Marketing Ministry. The government has accused the previous administration of irregularities in MSP schemes and selection of nodal agencies, including "demand for money" by procurement agencies.
The "Payoffs" Controversy
The controversy surrounding the "payoffs" by nodal agencies, which were approved by the previous government for agricultural produce under the Centre’s Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) scheme, has led to a widening rift within the ruling coalition. The BJP-led government has alleged that some state-level nodal agencies have been demanding money from various farm producers’ companies to start procurement centers, which is illegal.
Why the Fadnavis Government is Taking Action
The government has set up a panel to study and formulate a comprehensive policy on the functioning and procedure for implementing MSP schemes under PM-AASHA and selection of SLAs. The committee will submit a detailed report within one month, including suggestions and recommendations for the government on selection of state-level nodal agencies and implementing the MSP schemes across the state.
The Political Fallout
The latest development in the ongoing tussle between the BJP and the Shiv Sena has left the state’s political landscape in a state of flux. The Fadnavis government’s decision has been seen as a direct attack on the previous government headed by Shinde, which has led to a widening rift between the alliance partners.
A Closer Look at the Numbers
- The Fadnavis government has red-flagged the MSP schemes, which were approved by the previous government.
- The Centre guarantees purchase of up to 25% of the total production of essential agricultural commodities at MSP.
- The Centre’s Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) scheme aims to provide minimum support price to farmers for their produce.
- The Fadnavis government has set up a panel to formulate a comprehensive policy on MSP schemes and selection of nodal agencies for crop procurement.
Will This Move dent the Fadnavis Government?
Only time will tell if the Fadnavis government’s decision will have a lasting impact on its relations with the Shiv Sena, the key ally. The latest move has been seen as an attempt to assert the government’s authority and stem the growing rift between the two alliance partners.
What’s Next?
The Fadnavis government’s decision will be closely watched as it may have far-reaching implications for the state’s agriculture sector and the ruling coalition’s future. As the standoff between the two Chief Ministers continues, it remains to be seen how the Fadnavis government will navigate the complex political landscape to emerge stronger.
