BJP state spokesperson Sandeepani Bhardwaj has criticized the Congress government over ₹120.59 crore pending under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) for apple farmers, calling it not just administrative negligence but direct economic injustice.
According to media reports, thousands of farmers have been waiting for months for payments, affecting over 57,000 orchardists. Bhardwaj said this shows that the Congress government is neither farmer-friendly nor sensitive to their issues.
Officials have argued that delays occurred due to excess apple procurement, but Bhardwaj called this reasoning “irresponsible,” questioning why the government did not manage finances if the excess purchase was anticipated. Under MIS, around 98,506 metric tons of apples were procured in 2025, but payment arrangements have completely failed, she added.
Bhardwaj also stated that development projects in Himachal are stalled, contractors remain unpaid, and now apple farmers’ dues are also blocked. She accused the Congress government of being a “government of announcements” with neither policy nor intent.
Highlighting corruption concerns, Bhardwaj said the MIS delays reflect an environment of “corruption and commission-seeking,” preventing scheme funds from reaching beneficiaries on time. She demanded:
- Immediate release of ₹120.59 crore pending under MIS
- Investigation of negligent officials and departments
- Payment to farmers with interest
Bhardwaj warned that if payments are not made promptly, the BJP would launch statewide protests, raising the issue from the streets to the assembly.
She further questioned the Himachal Pradesh Marketing Corporation (HPMC) for showing a profit of ₹5 crore in board meetings while farmers’ dues exceeded ₹120 crore, highlighting potential financial irregularities. She said that if such large liabilities exist, the balance sheet should reflect a loss, not profit.
Bhardwaj also pointed out that CA stores created by HPMC remain unleased, raising further questions about governance and asset utilization. She called for an independent audit and strict action against any officials found responsible for financial mismanagement.
Finally, she said the Congress government is manipulating figures on paper while farmers struggle with pending payments, high input costs, and delays in essential supplies like Tree Spray Oil (TSO). The BJP has pledged to bring the truth to the public and fight for farmers’ rights.
