Thanjavur, Apr 11:
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin alleged that the Union government had asked the State to review its incentive scheme for paddy procurement, triggering a fresh political flashpoint ahead of the Assembly elections.
Addressing an election rally in the delta region, Stalin said the Centre had communicated to the State government to reconsider the additional incentives being provided over the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for paddy. He claimed that the Union government expressed concerns that higher incentives could lead to increased production and procurement-related challenges.
Terming the move as anti-farmer, Stalin accused the Centre of interfering in the State’s welfare policies. He also questioned whether AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami would oppose the Centre’s stand, asserting that farmers’ interests must be protected.