Squarely blaming the Congress party especially Gandhi family for the plight of farmers in the country, the Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today said that the sudden concern of Gandhi scion Mr. Rahul Gandhi towards the farmers was merely a ‘political stunt’. Interacting with the media persons on the sidelines of Sangat Darshan programme in Lambi assembly segment, the Chief Minister said that the long spell of Congress party's misrule under the Gandhi family had broken the back bone of the farmers. He said that the anti - farmer stance of the Congress and its regressive policies ruined the farmers of the country, who were now reeling under mounting debt. Likewise, Mr. Badal said that the ever escalating costs of farm inputs coupled with non-remunerative MSP of the crops have rendered agriculture as non profitable venture.However, the Chief Minister said that it was ironic that those people who were responsible for agonies of the farmers were now shedding crocodile tears over the crisis aroused due to their ill-conceived policies. Mr. Badal said that sole purpose of entire gimmick of Mr. Rahul Gandhi during his recent tours to the state was to score brownie points before media rather than solving any issue of farmers. “Now after being badly rejected by the voters you are showing concern for the farmers but where were you when your own government was taking anti farmers decisions”, he asked Mr Rahul Gandhi.
Responding to another query, the Chief Minister said that the state government was well prepared to give a befitting reply to the Congress party’s privilege motion in state assembly on the issue of power. He said that in a democratic system it was the prerogative of opposition to bring such motions and the government would reply to it with the facts to their satisfaction. “I hold opposition in high esteem and welcome them for a healthy debate on any issue” added Mr. Badal.Referring to the issue of ensuring continuous power supply to the farmers during ongoing paddy season, the Chief Minister expressed complete satisfaction over the elaborate arrangements made by Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) in this regard. He said that even in the peak season all out efforts have been made by the state government to ensure uninterrupted supply of power to farmers and domestic consumers.
Earlier addressing public gatherings in village Bhaagu, Vanwala Annu, Kakhanwali, Bheetiwala, Dhaani Telianwali, Kandu Khera, Bhullarwala and others, the Chief Minister, while making a scathing attack on the Congress party, slammed it for anti-Punjab stance.
He said that the Congress party has always hatched designs to eliminate Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) besides indulging in political vendetta against the top brass of Akali Dal. However, Mr. Badal said that the people of Punjab had taught a tough lesson to the Congress by rejecting it out rightly and giving back to back mandate to SAD-BJP alliance for two consecutive terms.Highlighting the significance of Sangat Darshan programme, the Chief Minister said that it was the first of its kind program initiated by any state government to redress the grievances of general public by virtually bringing the government at their doorsteps. He said ever since his first term as Chief Minister he had accorded top priority to this flagship program for solving the problems of people.The Chief Minister was accompanied by MLA Mr. Harpreet Singh Malout, Chairman Punjab Agro Jathedar Dyaal Singh Kolianwali, Chairman Mr. Tejinder Singh Middu Khera, Mr. Satinderjit Singh Manta, his Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema, Deputy Commissioner Mr. Jaskiran Singh and Senior Superintendent of Police Mr. Kuldeep Singh Chahal.