SIGNIFICANCE OF HARELI FESTIVAL: TRANSFORMING FARMERS' LIVES

Hhareli Festival, an auspicious celebration deeply intertwined with agriculture and farming, holds a special place in the hearts of Chhattisgarh's diligent farmers. This vibrant festival exudes boundless enthusiasm and unbridled joy among the farming communities.

- BHUPESH BAGHEL

The true essence of any festival lies in spreading sheer bliss and prosperity among its celebrants. Unfortunately, in the long tenure of the previous government, the lives of our beloved farmer brethren increasingly became devoid of happiness. During the third term of the BJP government, paddy procurement witnessed a continuous decline, and the number of farmers selling their harvest dwindled. It serves as a testament that cultivating rice has become an unprofitable endeavour for our resilient farmers. Consequently, the burden of debt bore heavily upon their shoulders.

Rahul Gandhi was keenly attuned to the plight of our state's farmers. He proclaimed before the previous Assembly elections that, should the Congress government come into power, the farmers' debts would be expeditiously waived.

Furthermore, to ensure the well-being of our esteemed annadatas, the Congress made a solemn promise to procure their rice at the rate of ₹2,500 per quintal, guaranteeing them a lucrative price.

The BJP leaders cynically scoffed at these pledges, dismissing them as implausible. It is evident from their dismissive attitude that they remain oblivious to the struggles faced by our farmers and lack the sensitivity required to safeguard their interests. Undeterred and placing unwavering trust in the Congress' commitments, our state's farmers enthusiastically started sowing paddy.