Rajkot, June 18: Jagdish Vishwakarma, the Gujarat BJP President, accused Congress on Wednesday of misleading farmers and exploiting them for political gain. He emphasized that the government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has focused on long-term solutions and direct support for the agricultural sector.
Speaking at a farmers’ conference organized by the BJP in Gondal taluka of Rajkot district, Vishwakarma claimed that Congress is attempting to mislead farmers and lead them astray. This event was part of the ongoing ‘Trust, Development, and Public Welfare Campaign’ celebrating 12 years of the central government under Modi’s leadership.
He stated, “Today, Congress is playing politics in the name of farmers. This is the same Congress that ordered firing on farmers during its rule, while the BJP government is committed to providing respect and security to them.”
Vishwakarma highlighted that government schemes over the past 12 years have significantly transformed farmers’ lives. He noted that various initiatives from both the central and state governments have ensured fair prices for crops, improved irrigation facilities, and made farming a more profitable profession.
Referring to the procurement price, he mentioned that the Modi government has purchased agricultural products worth ₹26 lakh crore from farmers across the country in the last 12 years. In Gujarat alone, last year, 17,41,287 metric tons of peanuts were procured for ₹12,646.97 crore. Additionally, 78,420 metric tons of soybeans were bought for ₹417.82 crore, 3,044 metric tons of urad for ₹23.74 crore, and 80,565 metric tons of tur for ₹644.53 crore.
He pointed out that the Gondal Agricultural Produce Market Committee has an annual turnover exceeding ₹12,000 crore, reflecting the strength of Saurashtra’s agricultural economy.
The BJP leader also emphasized promoting natural farming, stating that Prime Minister Modi encourages a “Back to Basics” approach. He urged farmers to adopt natural farming, modern technology, and government schemes to reduce costs and increase income.
Discussing water and irrigation issues, Vishwakarma compared the current situation favorably to that under previous Congress governments. He recalled a time when trains coming from Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar carried water tankers instead of passengers, which he termed the “Tanker Raj” of Congress rule.
He asserted that the BJP government and PM Modi have ended this situation, expanding drinking water and irrigation facilities in the state. He cited the Sardar Sarovar Project and the Narmada Scheme as significant changes that have improved water availability and agricultural prospects.
In his address, he praised Saurashtra’s hospitality and remembered Gondal’s former ruler Maharaja Bhagwatsinhji, describing his governance model as visionary. He noted that PM Modi’s national leadership has completed 12 years, equating to 4,399 days of governance, during which welfare schemes have benefitted every section of society.
He remarked, “Today, there is hardly a household in the country that has not benefited from some government scheme.”
For environmental conservation, he mentioned the ‘One Tree in Mother’s Name’ campaign, urging people to plant at least one tree in honor of their mothers.
State Agriculture Minister Jitu Vaghani also addressed the gathering, stating that the BJP views farmers as a priority, not a political tool. He assured that the BJP has never harmed farmers and is committed to providing permanent solutions to their problems.
Vaghani announced an unprecedented ₹11,000 crore package to assist farmers affected by unseasonal rains and highlighted that the Gujarat government has directly benefited farmers by purchasing agricultural products worth ₹15,000 crore at support prices.
He concluded by assuring that whenever farmers face difficulties, the government stands by them and will continue to do so.
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