Naveen Accuses BJP Govt of Betraying Farmers; Seeks End to ‘Katni-Chhatni’, Fulfilment of Poll Promises

Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik has shot off a strongly worded letter to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, alleging widespread harassment of farmers at mandis and a failure of the BJP government to fulfil its electoral commitments on paddy procurement.

Naveen sought the Chief Minister’s immediate intervention to end what he described as the continuing exploitation of Odisha’s annadata.

Agriculture is the lifeline of Odisha. Yet the ongoing Kharif procurement season has turned into a period of profound struggle for farmers because of administrative apathy and blatant violation of promises, he wrote.

Recalling assurances made in the BJP’s 2024 election manifesto, Naveen said farmers were promised enhanced MSP support and an end to katni-chhatni. “The situation in mandis across the state, however, tells a story of betrayal,” he alleged.

Naveen claimed farmers are facing arbitrary deductions of 5 to 7 kg per quintal on pretexts such as moisture or quality. In many places, he alleged, the practice continues openly with the collusion of millers and local officials, forcing farmers into so-called “mutual agreements” that erode their rightful earnings.

Subsidy cap a breach of promise: The BJD supremo criticised the decision to cap the input subsidy at 150 quintals per farmer, saying the Sankalpa Patra did not mention such a restriction. The move, he said, unfairly penalises productive farmers. He further alleged that despite enhancement of MSP by the Centre, cultivators in Odisha are not receiving the full benefit.

Mandi mismanagement and delayed payments: Patnaik said thousands of farmers are spending nights in the open, guarding their produce as lifting remains painfully slow. He pointed to poor basic infrastructure, a failing token system and delays in payments, even though the BJP had promised DBT transfers within 48 hours.

Because of deductions, procurement delays and the subsidy ceiling, Naveen warned that desperate farmers are being pushed towards distress sales below MSP by private traders and millers.

Naveen urged CM Majhi to deploy special squads to stop katni-chhatni and take strict action against guilty officials and millers and remove the 150-quintal ceiling and extend subsidy to the entire produce of registered farmers.

He also urged the Chief Minister to ensure DBT payments within 48 hours, as promised.

LoP Naveen further said that the farmers of Odisha are not asking for charity. They want the price promised to them and the dignity they deserve.