CPI urges Naidu to seek Central aid for mango farmers in State
In a statement released on Friday (July 4), Mr. Ramakrishna highlighted that while Andhra Pradesh is renowned nationwide for its mango production, farmers are currently suffering due to lack of procurement support. He noted that the Central government has already agreed to intervene in Karnataka under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) for 2025–26, fixing the procurement price at ₹1,616 per quintal for up to 2.5 lakh metric tonnes of mangoes.
This intervention came after Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan responded to a request from Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, representing Karnataka. 'It is unfortunate that despite Andhra Pradesh playing a key role in the Central coalition government, mango farmers here continue to face immense hardship,' he said.
He criticised the TDP-led alliance government in the State for its inaction on the issue. 'It is disappointing that the State government has shown no initiative to address the crisis, even though the Central government is supporting Karnataka farmers.'
Mr. Ramakrishna appealed to the Chief Minister to intervene immediately, hold discussions with the Central government, and ensure that a similar Market Intervention Scheme is implemented in the State to safeguard the interests of thousands of mango farmers.
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Indian Express
33 minutes ago
- Indian Express
‘Fadnavis did what Bal Thackeray couldn't': In show of unity, Raj, Uddhav slam BJP, invoke Marathi pride
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The 'victory rally', which drew thousands and packed the venue to capacity, followed the revocation of two Government Resolutions (GRs) — one mandating Hindi for Classes 1 to 5, and another making it optional — which the Sena (UBT) and MNS had called an 'imposition' of the language. Held as a 'non-political and all-party' gathering, the backdrop of the stage did not have any party flags or banners, featuring only a map of Maharashtra, which highlighted the event's unifying theme: Marathi identity, language, and pride. Though several Opposition leaders, including the NCP(SP)' Supriya Sule and Jitendra Awhad, attended the event, the stage was shared by only Uddhav and Raj, who were the only speakers. Addressing the gathering, Raj charged that the BJP was using the three-language formula as a 'political tool' rather than for educational reform. The BJP, he alleged, was testing the waters to see if Mumbai could be separated from Maharashtra. 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Uddhav's tone turned sharper as he targeted the BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Shinde, accusing them of allegedly using divisive tactics and betraying Maharashtra's interests. 'Mumbai was earned through the blood of Marathi people. And now, some (in the BJP) claim, 'Aren't we Marathi too?' You're only Marathi by name — we may have to check your blood to confirm,' Uddhav said, while claiming the BJP was never present in the fight for Maharashtra's true struggles. 'In the Samyukta Maharashtra movement (in the late 1950s), the Jana Sangh (the precursor to the BJP) arrived at the end and left soon after. And now they want to teach us nationalism and Maharashtra pride? Their only policy is 'sell everything'. They are shredding Mumbai to pieces and handing it over to corporate giants like Adani. Are we just supposed to sit back and watch?' Uddhav said. He also addressed speculations about his alliance with Raj, saying some quarters have tried to drive a wedge between them. 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India.com
35 minutes ago
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The Hindu
36 minutes ago
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