Bypoll results 2018: Sugarcane farmers aren't happy with ruling BJP

Across the Kairana Lok Sabha constituency, there are six major sugar mills

If results of two bypolls in western Uttar Pradesh are any indication, then farmers in general and sugarcane farmers in particular, aren’t very happy with the ruling BJP.

Though caste and religious factors might have played a big role in the BJP’s defeat in both the bypolls, local farmers and experts said the impact of mounting sugarcane dues in the agrarian belt, along with a steep hike in electricity rates, have also played their part.  

“These results show that BJP must undertake course correction as overall sugarcane dues in UP alone have crossed Rs 135 billion, and unless strong measures are taken, the