"Price of onions fixed at Rs 15 per kg": Maharashtra CM Fadnavis calls protests "photo-ops"
Mumbai, May 26
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday stated the Centre has fixed the price of onion at Rs 15 per kilogram amid protests by the farmers in the state.
Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, the Chief Minister dismissed the opposition's attack and protests over the price of onions as "photo opportunities," and asserted that the Mahayuti government was sensitive towards farmers.
He told reporters that the state government has requested a meeting with the Centre to find a long-term solution to the issue.
Fadnavis said, "The Centre has increased the price of onions by Rs 3.5 and has been fixed at Rs 15 per kg. We have also requested a meeting with the central government. The state government is sensitive towards the farmers."
"Some people are playing politics and creating photo opportunities. The price of onions during their tenure was no secret. We will try to find out what long-term solutions can be taken from that meeting. This is a 100 per cent political movement. Those who do not shed tears even after cutting onions are now trying to shed tears," he added.
This comes amid protests by farmers and videos circulating over the internet, with onion growers claiming that they received a lower price for their produce.
Speaking to reporters in Nashik, NCP (SCP) MLA Rohit Pawar stated, "Farmers were aggressive and also emotional. They had teary eyes when they requested, and stated that some have died by suicide, have medical and school fees to pay."
Meanwhile, Fadnavis also addressed the rising demand and hoarding of petrol and diesel, and assured that adequate supply is being maintained as per the requirement.
"The demand for petrol and diesel has increased more than normal, yet an adequate supply is being made as per the requirement. It is also being observed that hoarding is taking place somewhere. The supply and home departments will now take action in this regard. In the case of petrol, the demand has increased by 23 per cent more than the average consumption. In the case of diesel, this demand has increased by 52 per cent. In some places, there has been 70 per cent more supply. Therefore, he informed that a decision has been taken to stop hoarding," he said.
This comes amid the rising fuel prices and a global energy crisis due to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz amid the West Asia conflict. The prices of petrol and diesel have hiked above Rs 7 per litre over the last two weeks.
— ANI
Reader Comments
CM calling protests "photo-ops" while farmers are crying with teary eyes? Even onions won't make them cry as much as the price they get. We need a real solution, not blame games. The price of dal and other essentials is also through the roof. Maharashtra needs a proper MSP, not just press conferences.
I understand the frustration, but let's be fair. At least the CM is acknowledging the issue and meeting the Centre. During the previous government, onion prices were touching Rs 100 per kg and nobody said a word. Still, Rs 15 is not enough for farmers who spend Rs 10 on production. Need more sustainable policies. 🙏
Interesting to see how domestic politics in Maharashtra and fuel hoarding coincide with a global supply crisis. The Strait of Hormuz situation is serious for all of India. I hope the long-term solution includes better storage infrastructure for onions instead of this spot-fixing approach.
My family in Nashik says the real rate is much lower than Rs 15. The middlemen are eating the profit. And now petrol and diesel going up 52% demand with hoarding? This is a crisis. Instead of mocking farmers with "photo-op" jibes, why not fix the APMC system and stop the hoarders? Time for action, not politics. 😤
"Those who don't shed tears over cutting onions are now shedding tears" – that was a sharp line from Fadnavis, but it doesn't help. Farmers don't want photo-ops, they want fair prices. Rs 15 is a joke when production cost is Rs 10-12
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.