Chandigarh, October 11 (Daily Kiran) : Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Keval Singh Dhillon has voiced strong criticism of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government regarding the state’s rice procurement system. Speaking on Sunday, Dhillon highlighted the alarming conditions observed in various mandis across Punjab following recent rainfall, which he claims have revealed significant flaws in the procurement preparations.
Particularly concerning, he noted, are the scenes coming from Fazilka, where rice crops nurtured over months are submerged in rainwater. Dhillon expressed that if such conditions are present at the onset of the harvesting season, farmers are likely to face even greater challenges in the coming days.
He pointed out the lack of adequate drainage systems, insufficient tarpaulins to protect crops from rain, and the absence of other essential arrangements in grain markets, which have become serious issues for farmers. Dhillon emphasized that similar situations are not limited to the Fazilka mandi but are also emerging from other towns and villages across Punjab. He asserted that the lack of proper arrangements to safeguard farmers’ crops raises serious questions about the state government’s preparedness.
Farmers invest immense effort and resources into their crops, he noted, and if flooding in the mandis leads to the loss of their hard-earned yield, the financial burden will ultimately fall on them. Dhillon held the state government directly responsible for this situation.
He urged the government to take farmers’ complaints seriously and ensure proper drainage, adequate tarpaulins, effective crop protection measures, and a smooth procurement process in the mandis. It is unacceptable, he stated, for farmers to face difficulties in selling their crops and to witness the destruction of their hard work.
Targeting Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Dhillon criticized the government for prioritizing humor on public platforms over addressing the real issues faced by farmers. He further stated that the failure to provide basic facilities in the mandis raises significant doubts about the government’s effectiveness.
Dhillon reiterated the BJP’s commitment to standing firmly with farmers and vowed to continue raising their issues. He called for an immediate review of the conditions in the mandis, an assessment of the damage to crops, and decisive action to protect farmers from potential losses.
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