Hubballi: BJP leader Basavaraj Bommai seeks early decision on sugarcane prices

MP and former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has urged the State government to announce the State Advised Price (SAP) for sugarcane without delay and evolve a permanent formula for price fixation in consultation with farmers and sugar factories.

Speaking to presspersons in Hubballi on Saturday (October 17), he said a committee formed to examine the issues faced by sugarcane growers would meet on Monday (October 19) and hold discussions with farmer leaders, with a solution expected within a week.

He suggested the formation of a technical committee comprising farmers and factory representatives to assess sugar recovery rates through laboratory tests and establish a transparent mechanism for determining prices and weight. He also urged the government to prevent sugarcane grown along the Maharashtra border from being diverted to factories in the neighbouring State.

Sting operation

On the alleged sting operation involving Ministers, Mr. Bommai demanded a comprehensive investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). He alleged that the State-level probe was progressing slowly.

Mr. Bommai also called on the Union government to act against what he alleged as the use of foreign funds for activities against India and sought stricter scrutiny of foreign contributions to non-governmental organisations.

Criticising Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on democracy during overseas visits, he said they presented an inaccurate picture of democratic freedoms in India.

On Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s demand for an all-party meeting before implementing women’s reservation, Mr. Bommai said a meeting would be held before the special session of Parliament.