NBS Fertilizer Policy causes Cabinet tussle

The new Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) Policy for Fertilizers today saw a tussle between the Congress and its allies in the cabinet. Fertilizer Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP M K Alagiri initially put his objections down in a written note. Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar (NCP chief) and National Conference’s Farooq Abdullah.Minister of new and renewable energy, also joined the fray and raised apprehensions about possible rise in fertilizer price. Railway Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee also asked the government to ensure that the new policy did not lead to a rise in fertilizer prices. “We have to take care of our farmers. We can’t let them down,” Banerjee reportedly told the cabinet.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni, however, denied any rift in the cabinet but said: “there was a extensive debate and detailed discussion took place. At the end of the debate, the proposal was unanimously approved.”

When strong objections were raised by Alagiri, Pawar and Abdullah, the PM sought a discussion on the issue and asked other ministers to participate. Most of the Congress ministers supported the move.

Finally, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee again intervened and assured his colleagues that the government would take care of the interest of the farmers and ensure the prices of fertilizers don’t go up.