Opposition claims of MSP regime ending 'white lies': Dushyant Chautala

Haryana Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala on Tuesday described as "white lies" claims made by opposition parties that Centre's farm reforms are aimed at ending MSP-based procurement regime.

Chautala, a JJP leader whose party is a coalition partner of BJP in Haryana, said re is truth in claims that farm bills were aimed at benefitting big corporates and ending minimum support price regime.

"se are white lies," he said.

He thanked Centre for increasing MSP of six rabi crops.

He said hike in MSP anunced on Monday has proved that opposition's claims that MSP mechanism was under threat were false.

deputy chief minister, who holds portfolio of food, civil supplies and consumer affairs department, said Food Corporation of India and or designated state ncies will purchase crops from farmers at MSP as before.

He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi too has assured that procurement of crops at MSP will continue and mandis will also remain intact as before.

Chautala reiterated that he has always advocated for interests of farmers and he will continue to do so.

"By increasing minimum support price of rabi crops, Central government has shown that MSP system will continue,” he said, adding that farmers should t worry at all.

MSP for wheat, biggest crop of rabi season, has been hiked by Rs 50 to Rs 1,975 per quintal, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar has said in Lok Sabha.

MSPs of lentil (masoor), gram, barley, safflower and mustard/rapeseed have also been increased.

Chautala said purchase of kharif crops starting from October 1 will also be done at MSP and every single grain of farmers of state will be procured.

JJP has accused Congress of misleading farmers on farm bills.

With Congress lending support to protest by farmers in state, opposition party has attacked Chautala, accusing him of clinging to power.

On Monday, state Congress chief Kumari Selja said, " deputy chief minister, who used to do politics in farmers' name, too is t raising voice because hanging on to power is more dear to him w".

Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill and Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill were passed in Parliament, amid protests by opposition parties like Congress, TMC, DMK and Left.

Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, 2020, was passed in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.