Ahead of UP Elections, Yogi Government Tries to Woo Farmers

Yogi Adityanath’s government in Uttar Pradesh has made several announcements ahead of assembly polls early next year in an attempt to woo farmers. Among the promises made are withdrawal of the case against them for stubble burning and introducing a one-time settlement (OTS) scheme for interest waivers on the electricity bills of the farmers.

According to reports, Yogi’s government met a delegation of farmers in which it was decided that all the cases of stubble burning against them would be withdrawn and any fine imposed on them shall be revoked. It has also been promised that his government would ensure that the electricity connection of farmers shall not be snapped due to unpaid dues. The OTS scheme shall be introduced to waive interest on their electricity bills.  

Yogi also said that increasing the cane prices would also be considered by his government after hearing from all the stakeholders. He also said that the pending dues of cane, which amounted to 1.42 lakhs, were paid by his government. The remaining dues shall be paid before the start of the next crushing season, he announced.

Stubble burning is a major concern in many northern states in the country and the move of Yogi’s government to revoke cases against farmer is seen as an attempt to woo them ahead of the elections. Farmers have been agitating against the farm laws introduced by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the centre since nine months now and it is clear that their lack of support for his party could be a major setback for his government in the upcoming elections.

In fact, the Smayukta Kisan Morcha, which is leading the protests at the borders of Delhi, has vowed to garner support against Yogi’s government in the upcoming election in Uttar Pradesh.