Mumbai, February 24 – A heated exchange erupted in the Maharashtra Assembly on Tuesday during the ongoing budget session between members of the ruling alliance following a "Calling Attention Motion" regarding the issue of bonuses for the state's rice farmers.
Senior BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar questioned Minister of State for Food and Civil Supplies, Yogesh Kadam, over the delay.
Mungantiwar criticised Kadam, stating that ministers should be prepared with thorough studies rather than offering vague assurances such as "we will look into it" or "a meeting will be scheduled."
Although Yogesh Kadam attempted to counter with technical points, he appeared in a difficult position under Mungantiwar's rapid-fire questioning.
Mungantiwar highlighted the plight of approximately 7 lakh farmers awaiting the announcement of the bonus. He noted that on December 15, 2025, a delegation of rice farmers met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who subsequently issued orders for immediate action on December 25.
A Government Resolution (GR) was expected in January. However, the administration initially cited District Council (Zilla Parishad) elections as a reason for the delay. Even after the elections, the GR has not been issued.
Mungantiwar remarked that despite clear orders from the CM, the Food and Civil Supplies Department remains in a state of inaction, behaving like "the father of Kumbhakarna."
As this was the first Calling Attention Motion of the session, a decision is expected in favour of farmers, and a concrete response from the Minister of State is expected, said Mungantiwar.
In his defence, Yogesh Kadam presented data on bonuses distributed over the last three years: 2022-23: Rs 823 crore; 2023-24: Rs 1,378 crore; and 2024-25: Rs 1,628 crore.
Kadam stated that while these funds are provided to registered farmers, there is a need to re-verify the ratio between the bonus amount and actual rice procurement.
Unsatisfied with the data, Mungantiwar’s frustration grew. He argued that rice growers are among the poorest farmers. The increase in total funds is simply due to higher subsidy rates.
He insisted that all farmers registered on the portal should receive the bonus regardless of whether the sale has been finalised.
He criticised the department for "starting discussions and deliberations" only when it is time to actually pay the farmers.
He termed the Minister’s lack of preparation an "insult to the Constitution," noting that the department had made no progress despite the Chief Minister’s orders issued two months earlier.