While the BJP members appreciated CM for taking quick initiatives for providing relief to farmers, the Congress put the government in dock over delay in crop loss survey. The Congress also charged the Chief Minister with campaigning in Bihar assembly and going abroad when farmers were facing ruin. Initiating the debate on the drought Congress’ Ramniwas Rawat said that the Chief Minister’s announcements were yet to be implemented at the ground level. He said that the state was the grip of “administrative anarchy”.

Ajay Singh said, “We are ready to support CM if he stages sit-in to demand relief package from the Centre as he used to do when UPA was in power in Delhi. It is surprising that assembly session has been called for discussion on drought but the state government is tabling Supplementary budget and not allowing debate on the crop failure.

“No doubt, CM is very sensitive about farmers’ problems’ but officers are not as they stayed in five star hotels when they were sent for survey in the field. How can we expect that such officials will take the CM seriously?” Singh added.

Jitu Jirati said “It is ridiculous that CM was on foreign tour and addressing election rallies in Bihar when farmers of Madhya Pradesh were facing serious problems.” Yadvendra Singh of Congress said, “The relief which state government had announced has not been distributed so far.” Jaivardhan Singh of Congress said, “Farmers have got caught in a debt trap and they have not recovered the cost of sowing crops due to drought.” Sohanlal Valmiki also of the Congress said, “Nearly 90 per cent Crops of soyabean and maize have been damaged in many regions.”

Panna Sakya of BJP said, “Shivraj Singh Chauhan has taken prompt initiatives to ensure relief for the drought hit farmers.” BJP’s Hemant Khandelwal said, “When Congress was in power, farmers had to face police firing in Multai and now Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan deserves appreciation as he has taken good initiatives for the welfare of the farmers. He suggested that in my region, sugarcane, milk production and vegetables farming should be promoted.”

Nina Kaware of Congress said, “Insect ‘Mahu’ has damaged entire crops in Lanjhi (Balaghat). Therefore, I request the CM to ensure relief for farmers.” Kamleshwar Patel of Congress said, “Facing hunger, tribals in my area consumed some fruits they had plucked from the forests and three of them died while six are still undergoing treatment in hospital.” Parul Sahu Kesari of BJP said, “CM has taken major decision. Farmers are being given grain at rate of Re 1 per kilo.”

Saurav Singh of Congress said, “Nearly 60 per cent farmers are not being covered in the survey due to their land being treated as non-arable. Similarly, 2.5 percent stamp duty is being charged from farmers on property division despite knowing that their crops have been damaged. There is ban on boring so it has created problem for drinking water and hand pumps also.

The day-long special session of the Vidhan Sabha, cleared the Second Supplementary Budget of Rs 8407 crore by voice vote after a sitting that lasted for over eight hours without lunch break. Replying Shivraj Singh Chauhan declared that the state government would do everything possible to aid the distressed farmers. 'We are with the Kisans in their hour of crisis', he said in his speech at the end of the discussion.

It was after a long gap that the opposition was present in the House when the Chief Minister spoke. For the last several sessions, the main opposition Congress was boycotting the CM's address. The CM and other Ministers assured that the entire supplementary budget would be spent on farmers either on relief or on projects and schemes related with farmers and farming.

Chauhan said that the extent of damage to the crops in the state had come as a rude shock for the state government. 'Drought was expected so we were mentally prepared to provide relief but in the meantime, some pockets of the state like Malwa faced excessive rain. Hailstorm had already damaged crops in others areas. So the burden of damage went up. This is the reason behind the delay in crop loss survey. But still I can assure the entire House that relief will be provided to each and every affected farmer.'

He said that farmers who have suffered due to drought, pests, excessive rains and hailstorms in the state will be provided succour.

'I will also stop the construction of the roads, canals and bridges for the relief of farmers.' (IPA Service)