Congress Promises Yet Another Freebie In MP Ahead Of Elections, This Time For Farmers

If the Congress party wins the year-end assembly elections and forms the government, it has promised to provide free power for farmers and waive their agricultural loans and pending electricity dues.

During a press conference, Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Kamal Nath expressed his concern over the increasing loan burden on farmers in the state under the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) rule.

He stated that their 'Krishak Nyay Yojana' will help reduce the input cost of farmers in agriculture.

Interestingly, the press conference experienced a brief power cut.

Nath informed reporters that in the previous phase, the Congress party had already waived the agricultural loans of 27 lakh farmers. He assured that this scheme will continue, and they will also introduce the Krishak Nyay Yojana.

This new program will provide benefits such as free power for irrigation pumps up to 5 horsepower.

According to Nath, approximately 37 lakh farmers in the state will benefit from these initiatives.

Under this scheme, the MP Congress chief has announced that farmers' pending electricity bills will be waived.

Additionally, if they are elected to power, they will ensure uninterrupted electricity supply for 12 hours to the farmers.

Highlighting the significance of agriculture in MP's economy, the former chief minister stated that 70 per cent of the state's economy depends on agriculture and is driven by farmers.

If Congress forms the government, they will also take steps to withdraw criminal cases against farmers who have raised their voice against issues like fake power theft cases and other agriculture-related problems.

According to Nath, corruption has become ingrained in the system in Madhya Pradesh, which has hindered new investment in the state.

He believes that investments cannot be demanded, but rather need to be attracted.

The upcoming assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh are scheduled to take place by November of this year.