Sugarcane turns bitter for ruling BJP ahead of crucial Lok Sabha polls

While the opposition has been sharpening attacks on the state govt over mounting sugarcane arrears, the chief minister has been claiming credit for ensuring total sugarcane payments worth Rs 58,000 cr

Ahead of the crucial Lok Sabha elections, the domestic sugar crisis perpetuated by piling inventories, global glut and subdued sugar prices has started taking its toll in the key state of Uttar Pradesh. The sugarcane payments ratio in the state has dipped by almost 20 per cent in the ongoing crushing season compared to 2017-18.

While, the aggregate sugarcane payments notched up to more than 71 per cent at the end of March 2018, the payments ratio logged massive dip to about 57 per cent in the current 2018-19 season. 

Even in absolute terms, the net sugarcane arrears have piled