Ashok Gehlot Criticizes Government Over MSP and Crop Issues in Bikaner

Bikaner, October 14: Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot addressed a Panchayati Raj election conference in Nall village, Bikaner, on Tuesday. He criticized the state government regarding the prices of moong, irrigation water, crop damage compensation, and grants for gaushalas (cow shelters), asserting that the public will respond in the upcoming elections.

Gehlot emphasized that Bikaner city elected a Congress mayor, and now the rural areas will also secure significant victories by electing all the village heads and district chiefs. In the municipal elections held in September, the BJP won mayorships in nine out of ten municipal corporations in the state, with Bikaner being the only corporation where Congress candidate Anil Kalla achieved a 50-30 victory.

He stated, “The enthusiasm of the people indicates that Bikaner city has elected a Congress mayor, and now we will secure even bigger victories in the rural areas.”

Minimum Support Price and Market Rates

Gehlot noted that the current Minimum Support Price (MSP) for moong is set at ₹8,780, but farmers are not receiving the full price in the market. The central government had established this MSP for the kharif marketing year 2026-27 in May, marking only a ₹12 increase from last year’s ₹8,768.

Irrigation Water and Crop Damage Issues

He pointed out that despite water being available in the dam, the canals are not receiving adequate water supply, leading to the destruction of crops such as peanuts, guar, cotton, and moong in Chhatargarh, Pugal, and Khajuwala. Gehlot remarked that the villages are facing drought-like conditions, yet the government is not providing compensation. This region has previously witnessed protests over irrigation water issues, with farmers intensifying their movement in September during a mahapanchayat in Gharsana.

Concerns Over Gaushala Grants

Gehlot also criticized the lack of grants for gaushalas, stating that operators and saints had to rally in Jaipur. The ‘Gau Adhikar Hunkar Rally’ on October 9 in Sanganer demanded 12 months of assistance. Following this, the government decided not to recover outstanding amounts from gaushalas and to form a committee to address their issues.

“In the Panchayat elections, the public will respond to this anti-farmer government,” Gehlot declared.

Gehlot’s demands include:

Immediate provision of eight rounds of irrigation water to farmers
Compensation for destroyed crops and drought
Release of grants for gaushalas

The state is conducting Panchayati Raj elections in four phases, with the model code of conduct in effect in rural areas. Due to Dhanteras, the dates for the first three phases have been advanced by one day, with voting for the first phase starting on October 22.

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Kuldeep Singh Chundawat: My name is Kuldeep Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.