‘Not Raj Bharose, We’re Ram Bharose’: Upset Over Lack of Facilities, Churu Farmers Rue Failed Poll Promises – News18

Churu district in Rajasthan goes to polls on November 25 along with other assemblies. Known as the entry to the Thar desert region, this area is a big agricultural belt, with ‘moong’ and ‘chana’ being the mainstays. However, those who have made a living out of farming over generations do not have much faith that politicians can bring about a change in their fortunes.

News18 travelled to Churu, where farmers are now busy sowing seeds for the next season. Disappointed by the lack of basic facilities for irrigation, a farmer in Tatanagar said: “Most of us have been farmers for generations, but it has been a very tough journey for us. Governments promise everything, but the problem is real. We are ‘Ram Bharose’ and not ‘Raj Bharose’ (dependent on divine intervention and not on government support).”

Another added: “We have to struggle for water for irrigation, and the ‘nehar’ (stream) promised to improve facilities continues to be a big headache.”

The present government has promised free electricity, but in reality, power is not available for more than eight hours a day, which leads to further trouble. “Free electricity is important for the weaker section. In our case, the lack of constant supply only adds to our problems. We need to use diesel-powered machines for work, and that increases our cost further,” another farmer said.

The MSP offered by the government and farm insurance are not enough, as they don’t cover the cost, a farmer added. “We get ‘Fasal Bima’ (crop insurance) from the government, but that does not cover the cost. This is the single source of income for us, so we have no choice.”

The Churu region, known to be dominated politically by the Congress, will see BJP’s Leader of Opposition in the assembly, Rajendra Rathore, try his luck in the upcoming polls. One of the tallest leaders in the state, Rathore promises to deliver on promises made to farmers if the BJP comes to power in Rajasthan.

Five years of the Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government in the state have left farmers unhappy. Unlike the extreme weather in the region — coldest in winter and hottest in summer — the farmers hope for some relief to shine their way as the state readies to decide who will come to power this time. The results will be declared on December 3.