BJP Faces New Challenge with MSP Demand as Lok Sabha Elections Approach

The BJP-led NDA government, which successfully navigated the complexities of the New Pension Scheme (NPS) by introducing the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), now faces a significant challenge with the demand for a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) on crops. The India Today Mood of the Nation survey revealed overwhelming public support for a legal MSP guarantee, with 86.6% of respondents favoring the measure.

The demand for a legal MSP guarantee has been a central issue for farmers, particularly following the 2020–2021 protests against the now-withdrawn farm laws. Despite the government’s recent MSP hikes for various crops, including paddy and maize, the pressure from farmers’ organizations continues to build.

With crucial Assembly elections in Haryana, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Delhi on the horizon, the government’s handling of the MSP issue will be closely watched. The BJP’s ability to address this demand, as it did with the pension reforms, will be critical in maintaining its support among agrarian communities.

The government has engaged stakeholders through an MSP Committee, which has held over 37 meetings, but a concrete resolution remains pending. As the demand for MSP intensifies, the government’s strategy to address it will be a litmus test of its commitment to addressing agrarian concerns.