New Delhi (Agency): Communist Party of India (CPI) Member of Parliament Binoy Viswam has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He raised concerns over the naming of the ‘Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janurvarak Pariyojna’ (PM-BJP) and questioned the ‘one nation, one fertiliser’ scheme for using the PM-BJP branding and featuring the Prime Minister’s photograph on fertiliser bags.
In his letter, Viswam stated that farmers need clarity, choice, and transparency when choosing fertilisers. He questioned the logic behind uniting all fertilisers under one brand name, calling it “unclear.”
“Both public and private fertiliser companies have worked in the sector. A single name for all these fertilisers not only diminishes the identity and value these companies have built but may also lead to confusion among farmers who rely on specific products for specific needs,” Viswam said.
The MP also raised concerns over the decision to prominently print ‘PM-BJP’ on fertiliser bags. He argued that the abbreviation “BJP,” which represents the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, could be misunderstood as a political branding exercise. This is especially relevant, considering the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 2024.
Viswam expressed that the term “PM-BJP” appears to be motivated by political considerations. He said this move “undermines the faith of the public in the impartiality of governance” and can be seen as an attempt to use taxpayers’ money for political propaganda.
“Our nation’s farmers deserve clarity, choice, and transparency when choosing fertilisers. Imposing a single branding, and that too with clear political overtones, not only diminishes their choices but can also lead to questions about the quality and efficacy of the products,” the CPI MP emphasized.
He pointed out that farmers are the backbone of the nation and urged that their interests should be placed above all else. He requested the Prime Minister to reconsider the ‘One Nation, One Fertiliser’ policy. This, he believes, would allow companies to maintain their individual identities and build trust among consumers.
“In light of the above, I urge you to reconsider the ‘One Nation, One Fertiliser’ policy to allow companies to maintain their individual identities and trust among consumers. I further urge you to immediately remove the ‘PM-BJP’ branding from fertiliser bags to ensure there is no perception of political bias,” Viswam concluded.
The letter has reignited debates about the relationship between politics and governance, as well as the responsibilities of political leaders toward transparent governance. It adds another layer to ongoing discussions about the role of farmers in the nation and the challenges they face, particularly in the context of agricultural inputs like fertilisers.