Mahajan had sat on an indefinite hunger strike to demand Rs 6,000 per quintal MSP for cotton farmers in 2011, when the Congress-NCP government was in power in Maharashtra. (Express Archives)
Senior BJP leader Girish Mahajan, who is known as the party’s “troubleshooter”, is facing trouble in Jamner seat, from where he is contesting Assembly polls for a seventh term as an MLA.
The trouble stems from a 2011 agitation in Jamner demanding higher minimum support price (MSP) for cotton — launched by Mahajan himself. Thirteen years later, discontent cotton and milk producers of the region are citing the 2011 agitation and demanding a fair MSP for their produce.
Mahajan had sat on an indefinite hunger strike to demand Rs 6,000 per quintal MSP for cotton farmers in 2011, when the Congress-NCP government was in power in Maharashtra. The agitation had even turned violent.
With Mahajan, who is the state minister of rural development, seeking re-election from the constituency, cotton farmers allege that they still get less than Rs 6,000 per quintal for their produce. A video of Mahajan’s hunger strike of 2011 has also surfaced on social media.
Abhay Patil, a cotton producer from Pachora, said, “When he was in the Opposition, he launched an agitation and even sat on hunger strike. He was claiming that when the BJP government comes to power, the cotton producers would get a fair MSP. He was demanding Rs 6,000 per quintal MSP for cotton. It was in 2011 and now it is 2024. The prices still remain at Rs 6,000 or even lower.”
“Instead of speaking about the Ladki Bahin Yojana and other schemes, he should first speak about the cotton prices,” added Patil, who was watching a video of Mahajan on mobile phone with his friends at their village.
Expressing displeasure over the prices, another villager said, “Now we do not have any hope on these people (the government). If they had to do something for us, they would have done it. For how many years will we have to fight for the fair price?.” Some farmers hope that with the video of Mahajan surfacing on social media, either him or the BJP will do something for farmers.
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“At least now they should do something for farmers. The prices of seeds, fertilisers, labour, electricity and transportation are increasing day by day but we are still getting the same price which we were getting 10 years ago. Sometimes the prices are even lower than Rs 5,000,” Raosaheb Chaudari, another farmer from Jamner tehsil, said.
Mahajan is also likely to face a tough fight in the seat as NCP(SP) has fielded BJP turncoat and Mahajan’s former ally Dilip Khodpe against him from Jamner.
Vallabh Ozarkar is a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized as an authoritative and deeply knowledgeable voice on the politics, governance, and infrastructure of Maharashtra. With more than nine years of experience in major news organizations, his reporting delivers high standards of Expertise and Trustworthiness.
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Current Role: Senior Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai bureau.
Geographical Specialization: Provides exclusive and detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, operating at the epicenter of the state's decision-making in Mumbai.
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Political Dynamics: In-depth analysis of the ruling coalition (Mahayuti) and opposition (MVA), internal party conflicts, and crucial election updates, including local body polls and municipal corporation tussles.
Governance & Policy: Focused coverage on significant state policies, such as the overhaul of Mumbai's 'pagdi system' (rent control for old buildings) and social welfare schemes (e.g., Ladki Bahin Yojana accountability).
Infrastructure & Development: Reports on major urban and regional infrastructure projects, including the Mumbai Water Metro, Uttan-Virar Sea Link, and Thane Metro development.
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Experience
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