Chhattisgarh protests: Baghel wants Centre to buy excess paddy

NEW DELHI: After Madhya Pradesh, Congress-ruled Chhattisgarh government is on collision course with BJP government at the Centre over procurement of paddy after a bumper crop in the state.

At the centre of this face-off is Congress’ poll promise of paying a bonus above the minimum support price while procuring paddy from farmers.

After assuming power, Congress government procured paddy at Rs. 2,500 per quintal over and above the MSP of Rs. 1750- Rs. 1,770 per quintal. Now saddled with excess paddy, the Chhattisgarh government wants Centre to take the surplus rice of 42 lakh tonnes.


Speaking to ET, Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel said, “I have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I had even met Ram Vilas Paswan ji. When there was a BJP government in Chhattisgarh, exception was made to this rule and my predecessor got permission to give bonus and acquire excess rice, which was taken in the central pool. Why this discrimination now?” Baghel has now decided to take out a protest march to Delhi.

Starting November 13. The chief minister is expected to lead a convoy of 50 vehicles and stage a protest near Parliament.