BJP, Congress Spar Over Foreign Trip for ‘Farmers’ in Madhya Pradesh

Image for representation.

Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh government is sending farmers abroad to learn modern techniques. But the Congress alleges that majority of these farmers are either BJP leaders or people close to them.

According to information obtained through RTI, under a state government initiative, started in 2013, four teams of peasants will travel to Spain, France, New Zealand, Australia, Brazil and Argentina this year. Each teams comprises 20 farmers and the first group will embark on a foreign tour in March.

A political battle has erupted between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress over the issue.

The Congress asked under what criteria were people related to the BJP being selected for foreign trips. The BJP said that the party enjoys sizable backing among farmers so it was quite obvious the touring groups have so many peasants affiliated to the party.

In order to reduce financial burden on the touring farmers, the MP government offers subsidy from 50 to 90% on tour and travel expenses. “The four teams mostly comprise either BJP MLAs, officebearers, or their representatives. It should be meant for those who are facing agrarian crisis but the state government has reduced it to agri-tourism,” saids Ajay Dubey, head of Congress RTI cell.

Agriculture minister Gaurishankar Bisen said the candidates were selected by a committee led by deputy directors at districts from within pool of Kisan Mitra and farmers’ representatives.”

Unfazed by the controversy surrounding the scheme, BJP state president Nandkumar Singh Chauhan said, “We are pro-farmer. Around 70% farmers in MP support us so we openly claim that the said groups have primarily farmers affiliated to our party.” He asked if being a farmer and member of BJP was a crime.