Mumbai, Feb 24 (NationPress) Tensions escalated in the Maharashtra Assembly during the ongoing budget session on Tuesday as ruling alliance members clashed over a "Calling Attention Motion" focused on the bonuses for the state’s paddy farmers.

Senior BJP figure Sudhir Mungantiwar confronted Minister of State for Food and Civil Supplies, Yogesh Kadam, regarding the delays in addressing this critical issue.

Mungantiwar criticized Kadam for failing to prepare adequately, emphasizing that ministers should come armed with comprehensive studies rather than vague promises like "we will investigate" or "a meeting will be arranged."

Despite Kadam's attempts to defend himself with technical details, he struggled under Mungantiwar’s incisive questioning.

Mungantiwar brought to light the struggles of approximately 700,000 farmers eagerly awaiting the bonus announcement. He recounted that on December 15, 2025, a delegation of paddy farmers had an audience with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who had ordered immediate action on December 25.

The issuance of a Government Resolution (GR) was anticipated in January, but the administration initially cited the District Council (Zilla Parishad) elections as a reason for the delay. However, even after the elections concluded, the GR has yet to be issued.

Mungantiwar remarked that notwithstanding the Chief Minister's explicit orders, the Food and Civil Supplies Department remains unresponsive, likening their inactivity to "the father of Kumbhakarna."

As this was the inaugural Calling Attention Motion of the session, Mungantiwar expressed optimism for a favorable resolution for farmers and a definitive response from the Minister of State.

In his defense, Yogesh Kadam shared statistics on bonuses dispensed over the last three years: 2022-23: Rs 823 crore; 2023-24: Rs 1,378 crore; and 2024-25: Rs 1,628 crore.

Kadam mentioned that while these funds are allocated to registered farmers, there is a necessity to reassess the ratio between the bonus amount and the actual paddy procurement.

Dissatisfied with the presented data, Mungantiwar’s frustration mounted. He argued that paddy growers represent some of the most impoverished farmers, asserting that the increase in total funds merely reflects higher subsidy rates.

He insisted that all farmers registered on the portal should receive the bonus, irrespective of whether the sale has been finalized.

He condemned the department for only engaging in discussions and deliberations when it is time to disburse payments to farmers.

Mungantiwar labeled the Minister’s unpreparedness as an "insult to the Constitution," noting that the department has made no headway despite the Chief Minister’s directives issued two months ago.