Soybean MSP Face-Off: PM Modi's Rs 6,000 Offer Faces Congress's Rs 7,000 Challenge, BJP Fires Back

Mumbai: Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, recently promised a Rs 7,000 per quintal price for soybeans during his campaign rallies in Vidarbha. However, farmers in Karnataka, where Congress is in power, are reportedly receiving only ₹3,751 per quintal in the markets, which is Rs 1,141 below the minimum support price (MSP). This price disparity has raised concerns about the credibility of Congress’s promises, with BJP accusing the party of misleading farmers for electoral gains.BJP MP, Dr. Anil Bonde has called on Congress to prove its sincerity by ensuring Rs 7,000 per quintal in Karnataka before making similar promises in Maharashtra. In Karnataka’s Bidar and Gulbarga markets, soybean prices are as low as Rs 3,751 per quintal, undermining the party’s claims. Congress has made soybean prices a central issue in its campaign against the Mahayuti government, criticising the Rs 6,000 per quintal price promised by the ruling alliance and promising Rs 7,000 instead. BJP has questioned the intent of Congress which is unable to offer Rs 7000 in Karnataka where they are in power, then how come they will be able to fulfill the promise of Rs 7000 price to soybean farmers of Maharashtra.Bonde pointed out that Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s district, Gulbarga, is facing a soybean price crisis, with the Karnataka government failing to intervene. “Kharge is misleading farmers while ignoring the plight in his own district,” said Bonde. He also compared the situation with BJP’s initiative, where Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis announced ₹5,000 per hectare assistance and plans for a Bhavantar scheme to help farmers with price differences.Bonde warned farmers to be cautious of Congress’s promises, urging them to hold the party accountable for fulfilling its commitments before seeking support in Maharashtra.The soybean industry is crucial to India’s agricultural economy, with the country producing around 10 million tons annually. Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra are the leading soybean producers, with Maharashtra contributing 40-45 lakh tons. Soybean cultivation has also seen significant growth in Vidarbha and Marathwada regions.