The event of India News Manch took place at Le Meridien Hotel in Connaught Place, New Delhi on Monday. NewsX editor Devika Chopra led a panel disussion. The guests included former Rajya Sabha member Rakesh Sinha and Lok Sabha member Sudhakar Singh. The conversation was started by a statement from Devika, “Ek dangal chal raha hai, Paris mein Olympics mein aur ek dangal chal raha hai New Delhi mein, Sansad mein. ( There are two battles happening: one in Paris at the Olympics and one in New Delhi in Parliament.)”
News X Panel Discusses MSP Legal Guarantee and Middle-Class Sentiments Post-Budget
The discussion started off with the contentious issue of a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) and the implications of the recent budget on the middle class.
MSP Legal Guarantee: A Financial Burden or Necessity?
Devika Chopra opened the discussion by highlighting Rahul Gandhi’s assertion that the INDIA bloc would ensure a legal guarantee for MSP. She questioned the logic behind this and why the government had not implemented it if it was feasible.
Sudhakar Singh argued that the idea of a legal MSP guarantee is often misrepresented as a financial burden. “We are not asking the government to buy all the grains; we are simply asking for a minimum support guarantee. The prices farmers get often skyrocket by the time produce reaches urban markets. When prices are high, it’s all over TV, but when they are low, there’s no discussion. We want a minimum price law, not money from the government.”
Government’s Perspective on MSP and Farmer Welfare
Rakesh Sinha took a critical stance on Rahul Gandhi’s vision, or the lack thereof, regarding MSP. He stated, “Rahul Gandhi lacks vision and simply repeats what he is taught. After 70 years of Congress rule, the condition of farmers is understood only by those who are among them. The Prime Minister’s initiative of giving 2000 rupees and the installment scheme for farmers has made a significant difference. Development is holistic. The MSP must be contextually increased, and logistics for market access need to be facilitated.”
Middle-Class Sentiments and the Recent Budget
The discussion then shifted to the middle class, with Devika asking about Rahul Gandhi’s claim that the middle class would no longer support the BJP post-budget. Rakesh responded with data, “There are approximately 30 crore middle-class people now, up from 18 crore in 2014. This increase indicates support. The budget has provided tax relief, and transparency in administration benefits the middle class the most.”
Devika pressed further, mentioning criticisms about the increased capital gains tax and the removal of indexation. Rakesh defended these measures, stating, “A 0.5 percent tax on speculative share market activities is minimal. The government uses these funds for infrastructure development. The roads and AIIMS hospitals are examples of this comprehensive development.”
Bihar’s Financial Package: Electoral Gimmick or Genuine Aid?
As the conversation touched on upcoming elections in Bihar, Sudhakar Singh criticized the financial package announced for the state. “The budget provision for Bihar is an electoral gimmick. The central government funds are distributed via the finance commission, and Bihar received much less than it should have based on population. The people of Bihar will decide the impact of these election-oriented funds.”
The panel concluded with a consensus that while political promises and budget allocations stir intense debate, the real impact on farmers and the middle class will be the true measure of their efficacy.
Former BJP Rajya Sabha MP Rakesh Sinha (@RakeshSinha01) & RJD MP Sudhakar Singh (@_Sudhaker_singh) speaks to Devika Chopra (@ilah108) News Editor, NewsX. Watch this fiery faceoff on tackling corruption in the country on #NewsX:https://t.co/7Sxc6NODuw#iTVNetwork #NewsX… pic.twitter.com/jbguJ4GB1Z
— NewsX World (@NewsX) July 29, 2024
India News Manch 2024
Recently, the ITV Network hosted a forum at Le Meridien Hotel in Connaught Place, New Delhi, focusing on India’s most pressing issues. The event brought together a range of union ministers and opposition leaders to engage in detailed discussions about ongoing national challenges.
