In a recent confrontation, the Congress questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's policies, highlighting the disparity in treatment between Gujarat's white onion producers and those from Maharashtra. The core of the issue lies in the export restrictions imposed by the government, which have severely impacted Maharashtra's onion farmers. According to Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh, the restriction came at a time when Maharashtra's farmers were already struggling with a 50% reduction in crop yield due to adverse weather conditions. Furthermore, the selective permission for white onion exports from Gujarat contrasted with the prolonged ban and subsequent 20% export duty on Maharashtra's red onions, has sparked controversy.
Additionally, Ramesh criticized the BJP's approach to Adivasi forest rights in Maharashtra, accusing the government of hindering the implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA). This act was initially passed to empower Adivasi and forest-dwelling communities with the legal right to manage their forests. However, Ramesh points out that the actual approval and issuance of land titles under the FRA have been significantly limited. He also questioned the Mahayuti government's reluctance to conduct elections for the Nashik Municipal Corporation, suggesting it was an evasion of electoral accountability.
Source: The New Indian Express