Thackeray Faction MLA Accuses CM Fadnavis of Misleading Farmers on Soybean Procurement Policies

Kailas Patil, a MLA from the Thackeray faction, has accused Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of misleading farmers regarding the state's soybean procurement policies.

Patil specifically took issue with Fadnavis's recent claim that the moisture content standard for soybean procurement had been increased from 12% to 15%, which he said had led to record purchases at government centers. The MLA denied the Chief Minister's claim, calling it "misleading" and “far from the ground reality.” “If the new government starts with such lies, what should farmers expect in the future?” Patil questioned. “Come to the ground, see the reality, and then speak,” he added, highlighting the alleged disparity between the government’s claims and the situation faced by farmers.

He also criticized Fadnavis for attempting to import what he described as Gujarat’s "jumlebaazi" (deceptive) style of governance to Maharashtra, accusing the CM of focusing more on optics than actual policy change. "This kind of governance is detrimental to the interests of Maharashtra’s farmers," he said.

The controversy erupted after Fadnavis's recent remarks in an interview, where he claimed that the relaxation of moisture standards for soybean procurement had boosted purchases, with government centers now accepting soybeans with moisture levels up to 15%. Patil, however, refuted the claim, stating that no procurement center, including those in Dharashiv district, was adhering to the revised moisture standard. “The ground reality is different from what you have stated. Farmers continue to struggle because the supposed relaxation in moisture standards is not being implemented,” Patil stated. “If this is how the new government begins, it raises serious doubts about the future,” he added.

In an open letter to the Chief Minister, Patil congratulated Fadnavis on his third term as Chief Minister but expressed concern over the unmet promises of the previous administration, particularly regarding farmers. He warned that the government was repeating false promises and urged Fadnavis to visit the procurement centers to verify the situation. "Farmers have been misled repeatedly. I urge you to visit the centers, verify the facts, and ensure that farmers are not deceived anymore,” Patil appealed in his letter.

Patil’s accusations have ignited a debate on the new government’s approach to addressing farmers’ issues, with the opposition calling for greater transparency and accountability in the implementation of policies affecting the agricultural sector.​