“While the State Government has targeted to procure 3 lakh quintals of paddy from Kalahandi district, about 5 lakh quintals of paddy have filed up at Mandis now. It is the responsibility of the State Government to procure all crops from farmers. If the Government doesn’t procure all paddy soon, BJP activists along with farmers will stage an indefinite dharna at all 180 Mandis in the district,” warned Naik.
Noting that some spokespersons of the State Government have said the Government will procure paddy after the Centre releases Rs 2,000 crore towards subsidy, Naik said, “The State Government formed Biju Yuva Bahini by brining Rs 500 crore from Wipro and executed KALIA Yojana by drawing money from the contingent fund. The Modi Government has already given Rs 13,000 crore for procurement of paddy. The State Government should utilize the fund and procure paddy without delay,” demanded Naik at a Press Conference held here.
He too warned that the BJP will intensify the agitation by taking paddy bags to roads in coming days if the demand is not met within four-five days.
