Nagpur: The ongoing agitation by farmers over the hike in MSP for cotton and unabated suicides by farmers in Vidarbha region are likely to dominate the
proceedings of the Winter Session of the Maharashtra Legislature, beginning here from Monday.
Though the Congress-led Democratic Front (DF) government, citing the code of conduct in place for the municipal council elections, has not increased the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for cotton, it has indicated to provide some relief by
announcing financial assistance to the cotton growers from Vidarbha, Khandesh and Marathwada regions per hectare.
Shiv Sena launched a statewide agitation for better prices to the produce and its executive president Uddhav Thackeray had led the agitation in Vidarbha.
Though Congress leaders, a majority of them cotton growers, have also mounted pressure on the ruling alliance, they are waiting anxiously to hear from the Government on the floor of the House on the hike in MSP.
BJP, along with Shetkari Sanghatana, is also on the warpath over the issue. Uddhav even announced that all Sena floor leaders will boycott the customary tea party to be hosted by the chief minister on the eve of commencement of the
session.
The issue of unabated suicides by farmers in Vidarbha region is also likely to haunt the government again.
Vidarbha Jan Andolan Samiti (VJAS), working for the cause of farmers, led by Kishore Tiwari has sought appointment with UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and has even met other central leaders to press for the demands including hike in
cotton.
The VJAS has contended that crop failure and inadequate price to the produce are pushing farmers to take the extreme step.
The municipal council elections will be held in the first week of the session as the State Election Commission (SEC) has revised some of the poll dates following complaints and court proceedings.
However, it is being said that the government may not announce major policy decision as the election code of conduct has been imposed.
This will be the second time when Chief Minister Prithiviraj Chavan will be facing the Assembly in Nagpur.
The session may last for two weeks, up to Dec 23 as the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) has finalised the house agenda for the period mentioned only.
The elections for municipal corporations are around the corner and will follow the council polls. The dates may be announced when the session is in progress prompting again imposition of the code of conduct.
PTI
