Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Monday accused the BJP government of burdening farmers by increasing the prices of fertilisers, alleging that the move would further worsen the crisis in the agriculture sector.
Hooda said farmers in Haryana and across the country were already struggling with rising inflation and increasing input costs. He alleged that the hike in the prices of urea, SSP and NPK fertilisers would add to their difficulties.
"The increase of ₹200 in the prices of urea and SSP, along with a hike of ₹200 to ₹550 in NPK fertilisers, will further burden farmers who are already under distress. The rise in the prices of agricultural machinery and spare parts will also increase their costs," he said.
Hooda alleged that rising fuel prices had already increased pressure on farmers and that the latest fertiliser price hike would make matters worse.
"The BJP had promised to double farmers' income, but input costs have continued to rise. The increase in MSP is not keeping pace with inflation. During the tenure of this government, farmers' incomes have declined while debt and inflation have increased," he claimed.
The Congress leader also criticised the recent increase in LPG prices. He claimed that the price of a domestic LPG cylinder had risen by ₹89 in the last three months, while commercial cylinder prices had increased by more than ₹1,500. He further alleged that the prices of petrol, diesel, CNG, transport and essential commodities had risen sharply, making life difficult for ordinary people.
Hooda said international crude oil prices were declining, but alleged that the government was not passing on the benefit to consumers. He demanded an immediate withdrawal of the recent hikes in fuel and fertiliser prices.
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