Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has decided to establish Onion Mahabanks in the state, with locations planned for Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Solapur in Maharashtra.
However, this decision has been opposed by MLAs from Ajit Pawar’s faction. These MLAs have demanded a reduction in the 40 per cent export duty imposed on onions instead of creating the Mahabank.Opponents claim there is a lack of coordination between the three-party government currently in the state, with the assembly elections approaching. Sources indicate that there was an argument between BJP MLA and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar during a Cabinet meeting. Subsequently, it was revealed that Ajit Pawar’s MLAs opposed Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s decision to create the Mahabank for onions.
Ajit Pawar’s MLAs argue that reducing the export duty on onions would be more beneficial for onion farmers. They have requested that the Chief Minister raise the issue of onion export duty at the upcoming Niti Aayog meeting in Delhi. They believe that while the concept of the Onion Mahabank is good, it is costly and will not provide significant benefits to onion farmers. In the recent Lok Sabha elections, the Grand Alliance faced the consequences of the onion farmers’ anger. Therefore, Ajit Pawar’s MLAs have urged the state government to provide relief to these farmers before the assembly elections.
