CHANDIGARH: AAP senior leader and Punjab's finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema lambasted BJP's central government for their step motherly attitude towards Punjab.
Minister Cheema highlighted the critical role of Punjab in India's agricultural history. He recalled the dire conditions faced by the country at the time of independence in 1947, when food scarcity and hunger issues were rampant. He acknowledged the revolutionary steps taken in 1962 to transform the agricultural sector, leading to the establishment of the Punjab Agricultural University. This institution has since contributed significantly to the rise in crop production, particularly in wheat and rice.
"Punjab produces around 12 tons of rice per hectare, unmatched globally, " he stated. Despite occupying just 1.53% of the country’s land area, Punjab contributes approximately 22% of the rice and 40% of the wheat production in India. Minister Cheema expressed gratitude to Punjab's farmers and agricultural scientists for their dedication.
However, he raised serious concerns about the current central government's treatment of Punjab. He accused the BJP-led central government of discrimination and playing divisive politics against the state. He recalled the widespread protests led by Punjab against the controversial laws imposed by the central government, which were ultimately repealed due to the collective efforts of Punjab's citizens.
Minister Cheema criticized the central government's failure to lift the grains purchased from Punjab, calling it an unfair tactic against the farmers. He mentioned that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and other cabinet members have actively communicated with central officials regarding these issues.
"The Aam Aadmi Party stands firmly with Punjab's farmers. We will not allow any harm to come to any section of our society, " he asserted. He warned that the central government seems intent on undermining Punjab and its agricultural sector.
In closing, Minister Cheema assured farmers that the Punjab government is committed to standing with them in the face of any challenges posed by the central government. "We will fight for our farmers and ensure that their rights are protected, " he stated.