BJP launches big farmer push in Bengal with Nadda’s ‘Ek Mutthi Chawal Sangrah’

Vibha Sharma

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 9

While agitating farmers hold on at borders of Delhi, BJP president JP Nadda on Saturday launched his party’s mega farmer outreach in poll-bound Bengal with the “Ek Mutthi Chawal Sangrah”, a state-wide door-to-door rice collection, from Jagadanandapur village in Bardhaman district, which is also known as the “rice bowl” of the state.

The Gobindobhog rice, a speciality from Bardhaman, also boasts of the geographical indication (GI) status.

Nadda said the “Ek Mutthi Chawal Sangrah” campaign was aimed at reasserting the party and government’s commitment and conviction towards the growth, progress and prosperity of farmers.

Starting the “day-out with farmers” by offering prayers at Shri Radha Gobind Temple in Katwa, he also addressed ‘Krishok Surokkha’ Gram Sabha, had lunch with a farmer household, offered prayers at Sarbamangala Temple and ended the day with a roadshow from Burdwan Clock Tower to Lord Curzon Gate.

The Jagdanandpur ‘Krishok Surokkha’ Gram Sabha marked the beginning of 40,000 such meetings by the BJP across the state ahead of the Assembly elections.

The BJP will be reaching out to the homes of all 73 lakh villagers across the state, leaders say.

Upping his ante, Nadda attacked Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for blocking central schemes meant for farmers, accusations that were countered by the ruling TMC point by point.

Nadda also said the new farm laws, against which the Punjab and Haryana farmers are protesting, “will help farmers prosper”.

“What the Prime Minister has done for farmers on MSP, various schemes and increasing the agriculture budget by six times will help farmers grow, progress and prosper,” he said slamming the TMC for supporting the agitation in Delhi.

“What they (TMC) should have done here, they are doing in Delhi. The BJP and the Prime Minister are committed to farmers. The government is ready to discuss all issues clause by clause,” he said, speaking at Bardhaman district.