Nagpur, Dec 11 (NationPress) On Thursday, opposition members executed a boisterous walkout to voice their dissent against the Mahayuti government, claiming neglect towards cotton and soybean farmers and irregularities in procurement practices. This protest was particularly pronounced considering the increasing disparity between purchase prices and guaranteed rates.

The opposition expressed significant dissatisfaction with Minister Jayakumar Rawal's responses during the question hour, chanting slogans directed at the state administration.

They aggressively challenged the government for failing to establish official cotton procurement centers in numerous regions and for not ensuring Minimum Support Price (MSP) for soybeans. Angered by the inadequate answers from Minister Rawal regarding farmers' concerns, the opposition ultimately decided to walk out. Congress Legislative Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar accused the government of treating farmers with contempt.

During the Assembly's question hour, Wadettiwar highlighted the farmers' plight, emphasizing that cotton procurement was stalled due to restrictions set by the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI), which also imposed a low procurement ceiling.

He further denounced the administration's decision to reduce the import duty on cotton from 12 percent to zero, forecasting a drop in cotton prices in India due to a surge in imports. "Out of 50 cotton-laden vehicles, 40 are being turned away. What options are left for the farmer?" he asked.

Wadettiwar and fellow opposition members asserted that soybeans were not being procured at the mandated MSP of Rs 5,300 per quintal at the procurement centers. He challenged the minister, urging him to join them in farmers' fields to grasp the genuine circumstances.

Critical inquiries were raised, such as whether the government would initiate blanket procurement for soybeans, considering that 70 percent of the yield was being rejected at centers, and whether they would engage with the central government regarding the cotton import duty. The minister, however, could not furnish satisfactory answers. As tensions escalated, Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar proposed a meeting later that day to address the matter. The opposition, however, rejected this suggestion, insisting that the government issue a statement in the House.

With no affirmative response from the government, leaders including Vijay Wadettiwar, Nana Patole, Rohit Pawar, Siddharth Kharat, Arjun Khotkar, and Daulat Daroda entered the Well of the House, chanting slogans against the administration's approach to farmers' issues.

The opposition raised slogans such as "Down with the government that exploits farmers!" and "Down with the government that deceives farmers!" Minister Rawal attempted to assert that the government is actively involved in cotton and soybean procurement and is working to ensure MSP for these crops.