Opposition slams BJP, SAD for cheating the farmers
CHANDIGARH: The farmers in Punjab are upset over BJP led NDA government's decision to give meagre hike of Rs.50 per per quintal for paddy. While Shiromani Akali Dal(SAD) ruling allinace partner of BJP is evading to criticise center government for anti-farmer decision, the Congress party and Bhartiya Kisan Union (Mann) have rejected the hike and demanded implementation of Swaminathan report as per promsie made by Prime Minister Narender Modi.
The centere has increased the MSP of Paddy from Rs.1360 to Rs.1410 per quintal. The MSP of grade A variety has been increased
from Rs.1400 to Rs.1450 per quintal. The center ahs also increased MSP of pulses Moong and Urd by Rs.277 per wquintal which
includes Rs.75 hike in MSP and Rs.200 per quintal bonus to growers.
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal who claims to be pro farmer has failed to react to meagre hike in Paddy MSP. Even
the Ajmer Singh Lakhowal President BKU who is appointed Chairman of Mandi Board by Badal is also silent on the issue.
The Punjab Congress President Partap Singh Bajwa today demanded Rs 500 per quintal hike in the minimum support price lambasting Rs 50 hike announced by the Modi government as a cruel joke with the farmers.
“Here is yet another decision that exposes anti-farmer face of the Narendra Modi government in which the Akali Dal is a partner. This hike does not cover even the cost of inputs. The BJP in its poll manifesto had promised fixation of MSP on the Swaminathan formula”, he added.
He called upon Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal to tell the people as to what his government proposed to do other than issuing a customary statement as the Akali Dal was the alliance partner of the BJP at the centre and hence was equal culprit in this anti-farmer decision.
Meanwhile, Bhupinder Singh Mann Ex MP, National President of BKU rejected the meager increase in MSP of Paddy. He demanded the
implementation of Swaminathan report as per huge promises made by Narendra Modi before the elections and also as promised by
BJP in its Poll Manifesto.
He said that instead of honouring its poll promise given in its manifesto, that farmers will be given 50% above than the cost
of production, this small increase is total deceit with the farmers.
S. Mann also said that the state Govt led by S. Parkash Singh Badal should pressurise the center Govt to honour its promise.
Only then the farmers will believe that Badal is pro farmer.
He further said that agriculture in Punjab is passing through a severe crises. He warned that if economic solution is not
found soon, then it will lead to lot of social problems in future for which the responsibility will be on the state and center
Govt.
Baldev Singh Mianpur President of the Punjab Unit of BKU blasted the Punjab and Modi Govt for their persistent anti farmer
steps. The biggest was seen in the pathetic procurement of wheat few months back.