In a recent development, Jitu Patwari, the Pradesh Adhyaksha (state president) of Congress, has raised concerns about the Madhya Pradesh government’s decision to borrow a substantial amount of money from the market. Patwari questioned the government’s actions, particularly in light of unfulfilled electoral promises made by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
According to Patwari, the state government is planning to borrow a whopping ₹5,000 crores from the market on February 20. He highlighted that despite these substantial borrowings, the promises made during the elections are yet to be fulfilled. Patwari specifically mentioned the unfulfilled commitments related to increasing financial assistance to Ladli sisters (a government scheme for girl children) and the failure to raise support prices for rice (paddy) and wheat.
Key Concerns Raised by Jitu Patwari
1. Borrowing Details
Patwari provided detailed information about the government’s borrowing plan. He stated that the government intends to take three loans – ₹1,500 crores for 16 years, another loan of the same amount for 20 years, and a third loan of ₹2,000 crores for 21 years. The total debt from these three loans would accumulate to ₹5,000 crores. Furthermore, interest payments at the coupon rate will be made twice a year.
2. Government Expenditure and Debt
Patwari expressed concern about the overall financial situation, highlighting that the government has already borrowed a total of ₹27,500 crores by the fiscal year 2023-24. With an additional ₹5,000 crores, the total debt would surpass ₹32,500 crores. As of March 31, 2023, the government is already indebted with more than ₹3,31,000 crores.
3. Unfulfilled Electoral Promises
The Congress leader questioned the BJP’s commitment to its promises made during elections. He pointed out that despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s electoral guarantees and the slogan of “Modi ki Chunavi Guarantee,” Ladli sisters are not receiving the promised ₹3,000 per month. Moreover, the announced support price for rice is ₹3,100 per quintal, but this commitment remains unfulfilled. Similarly, the support price for wheat, which was supposed to be ₹2,700 per quintal, appears to be merely an “election gimmick.”
Allegations of False Promises
Patwari concluded by stating that while the BJP is gearing up for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the state government seems indifferent to economic disparities. He alleged widespread corruption in government recruitments and criticized the BJP for not addressing the concerns raised by the youth and other sections of society. Patwari urged the BJP to answer the public’s questions before making new promises during the elections.
The allegations and questions raised by Jitu Patwari reflect the ongoing political dynamics in Madhya Pradesh, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in government actions and financial decisions.