Modi govt trying to ruin farming community by increasing fertiliser prices: Siddaramaiah
Bengaluru, Apr 9: Accusing the BJP government at the Centre of trying to ruin the farming community by increasing the prices of fertilizers, senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Friday termed it an 'anti-farmer' act.
The Leader of the Opposition in Karnataka, in a series of tweets, said the price increase would destroy farmers.
"The Central BJP government is trying to ruin the farming communities by increasing the prices of fertilizers.
After troubling farmers through anti-farmer acts, the government is now making inputs costly," Siddaramaiah tweeted.
The 'anti-farmer' Narendra Modi government has increased the prices of fertilizers by more than 60 per cent, he said.
The prices of DAP fertilizer had increased by Rs 1,400 per quintal from April 1. It was earlier Rs 2,400 and Rs 3,800 now.
Prices of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potash have been increased by Rs 1,250 per quintal. It was available at Rs 2,350, but now farmers have to pay Rs 3,600.
"This increase will destroy farmers," he said.
The former Chief Minister termed as 'absolutely baseless,' the Centre citing the increase in international prices as the reason for the hike.
"An amount of Rs 1,33,947 crore of subsidy was given last year, but it was reduced to Rs 79,530 crore from this year.
Hence market prices have increased," Siddaramaiah said.
He took a dig at the BJP government in Karnataka and its MPs for not having the courage to question the 'anti- farmer' policies of the Modi government, saying "this attitude of the BJP leaders will surely destroy Annadatas (farmers)."
Central @BJP4India govt is trying to ruin the farming communities by increasing the prices of fertilizers. After troubling farmers through anti-farmer acts, the govt is now making inputs costly.
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) April 9, 2021
1/5
Anti-farmer @narendramodi govt has increased the prices of fertilizers by more than 60%. Prices of DAP fertilizer was increased by ₹1400 per quintal from April 1.
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) April 9, 2021
It was ₹2400 till April 1 but now it is ₹3800.
2/5
Prices of Nitrogen, Phosphorus & Potash have been increased by ₹1250 per quintal. It was available at ₹2350 but now farmers have to pay ₹3600. This increase will destroy farmers.
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) April 9, 2021
3/5
Central @BJP4India govt has given increase in international prices as the reason for rise in fertilizer prices. This is absolutely baseless.
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) April 9, 2021
₹1,33,947 Cr of subsidy was given last year but it is reduced to ₹79,530 Cr from this year. Hence market prices have increased.
4/5
.@BJP4Karnataka State govt & MPs have no courage to question the anti-farmer policies of @narendramodi.
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) April 9, 2021
This attitude of BJP leaders will surely destroy Annadatas.
5/5
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Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
