Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led Central Government, calling out its “failed foreign policy” for triggering a worsening energy crisis in the country. Speaking during a discussion in the Punjab Assembly, the minister raised concerns over shrinking petroleum and LPG stocks, shutdown of fertiliser plants in Punjab and what he described as discrimination in gas supply to the state, while demanding that the Centre disclose the actual national reserves of petroleum, LPG and LNG.
Participating in a discussion on a condemnation motion moved by Food & Civil Supplies Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak in the Vidhan Sabha, Harjot Bains expressed deep concern over the rapidly depleting stocks of petroleum and LPG across the country. He pointed out the contradiction between the Centre’s claims of self-sufficiency and the ground reality. He asked the centre government to come clean on the exact stock levels of petroleum, LPG and LNG in the country.
“On one hand, their spokespersons claim we have plenty of petroleum and LPG. On the other hand, commercial supplies have been halted. This is not just an administrative lapse. It is the direct result of the BJP government’s failed foreign policy,” Harjot Singh Bains asserted, while highlighting the grim repercussions of this crisis for Punjab, particularly for its agrarian economy.
He expressed displeasure over the shutdown of the NFL (National Fertilisers Limited) units at Nangal and Bathinda, warning that the upcoming kharif sowing season is under direct threat. “The Nangal and Bathinda fertiliser plants are almost shut down. Where will our urea come from? Our kharif crops sowing is due.
It is a serious issue linked to the livelihood of our farmers. While Punjab’s plants are starved of gas and shut down, the NFL’s Panipat plant continues to receive 100% supply. This is blatant discrimination against Punjab,” he said.
Harjot Bains warned that the situation is merely the tip of the iceberg. “If left unchecked, the country could soon face a crippling petrol and diesel shortage. Tomorrow, they will say there is no petrol or diesel.
It will not stop at fields. Our hostels will close their messes, our tourism industry will collapse and it will even impact our armed forces. This issue touches every kitchen in the country,” he added.
Demanding to unequivocally condemn the BJP’s foreign policy failures, the Punjab minister stated, “We must ask why Punjab is being punished. Why are our plants in Nangal and Bathinda closed while NFL’s Panipat runs at full capacity?
The entire country needs to know the truth about the stock situation before it is too late.”