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The recent Maharashtra election results reveal a compelling narrative of how addressing key farmer concerns significantly contributed to the BJP-led Mahayuti's electoral success. The June Lok Sabha elections saw the BJP underperform in Maharashtra, a phenomenon largely attributed to widespread farmer discontent and anxieties among Scheduled Caste voters. The perception of the BJP was negatively impacted by the lack of immediate action on pressing agricultural issues, particularly concerning the prices of onions and soybeans. The subsequent months, however, witnessed a concerted effort by the BJP-led central government and the Mahayuti state government to alleviate these concerns, employing a multifaceted approach that ultimately yielded positive electoral results.
A crucial aspect of this strategy was the swift and decisive action taken to address the concerns of onion and soybean farmers. Unlike the delay witnessed during the general elections, where the ban on onion exports was lifted only in May, the government acted proactively in September, lifting the minimum export price (MEP). This move aimed to boost exports and stabilize domestic prices. Simultaneously, a significant government procurement effort was undertaken, purchasing 4.7 lakh tonnes of onions directly from farmers – a substantial increase from the 3 lakh tonnes purchased the previous year. Notably, the average price paid to farmers was significantly higher, at over Rs 28 per kg, representing a 64% increase compared to the previous year's Rs 17. This proactive intervention directly addressed the immediate economic hardship faced by onion farmers.
The government also focused on supporting soybean farmers, announcing a 6% increase in the minimum support price (MSP) to Rs 4,892 per quintal. This move was strategically targeted at Maharashtra, the second-largest soybean producer in India, at a time when market prices were depressed due to global oversupply. Further demonstrating commitment, the agriculture ministry procured a considerable portion (a quarter) of Maharashtra's soybean produce through government agencies, even relaxing certain procurement norms. This concerted effort demonstrated a clear shift in government policy, prioritizing the welfare of farmers and addressing their concerns directly. The government's actions were not limited to onions and soybeans. Recognizing concerns within the dairy sector, the central government actively pursued contracts with tur (pigeon pea) growers, a crucial aspect given India's significant role as a tur importer. While market prices for tur exceeded the MSP, this initiative aimed to provide reassurance to farmers and counter negative narratives surrounding sugarcane grower complaints.
The success of the BJP-led Mahayuti in the Maharashtra elections can be viewed as a direct consequence of this targeted, proactive approach towards addressing farmer concerns. The government's decisive interventions, encompassing onion and soybean price stabilization, increased MSP for soybean, substantial government procurement, and engagement with tur growers, effectively countered the negative narrative that had emerged during the Lok Sabha elections. This approach demonstrated a willingness to listen to and address the concerns of farmers, thereby winning back their trust and securing valuable electoral support. The campaign successfully repositioned the BJP's image, moving away from a perception of indifference to farmer welfare to one of proactive engagement and support.
This case study highlights the significance of addressing core socio-economic issues as a crucial factor in electoral success. While other factors undoubtedly played a role in the election outcome, the clear and demonstrable efforts to alleviate farmer distress stand out as a key component of the Mahayuti's campaign strategy. This success underscores the vital importance of government responsiveness to the needs of its citizens and the potential impact of such actions on shaping political narratives and electoral outcomes. The Maharashtra election results serve as a strong reminder for political parties across the country to prioritize the concerns of the farming community, demonstrating a commitment to long-term solutions and sustainable development in agriculture, key to building lasting public trust.
Source: Maharashtra election results: Addressing farm concerns helps Mahayuti reap gains