Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the rival political outfits, particularly the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress, for allegedly instigating farmers to disrupt the saffron party’s candidates’ election campaign activities in the State. Visibly irate over the situation, Jakhar accused the opposition of orchestrating protests against the BJP leaders, while shielding themselves from similar scrutiny.
Jakhar, addressing a press conference, did not mince words as he took aim at AAP and the Congress, while also lashing out at the farm union leaders. Jakhar's frustration was palpable as he addressed the media, expressing deep concern over the relentless disruptions faced by BJP candidates and leaders in rural areas of the state. He pointed fingers squarely at AAP and the Congress, alleging their complicity in inciting farmers against the BJP while shielding themselves from similar scrutiny.
“Opposition parties are actively fomenting unrest among farmers to hamper BJP’s campaign efforts,” said Jakhar, highlighting the asymmetric treatment meted out to different political factions. His remarks underscored a broader narrative of political polarization and escalating tensions in Punjab’s charged political landscape.
Drawing attention to AAP’s promises in its manifesto, Jakhar questioned the party's commitment to farmers’ welfare, particularly its pledge of Rs 20,000 per acre compensation for crop losses due to natural calamities. However, he noted a stark disparity between promises and actions, citing the inadequate compensation provided to the farmers affected by floods the previous year. Jakhar's indictment of AAP's failure to deliver on its promises resonated strongly, amplifying concerns over the party's credibility and accountability.
“I want to pose a few questions before farmer union leaders. AAP had announced in its manifesto that they would give Rs 20,000 per acre compensation in case of crop losses due to natural calamities. Last year, when the crops got damaged due to floods, Punjab CM had announced compensation…However, in reality, the compensation given to farmers was Rs 6,800 per acre (given by the Centre). Where is that Rs 20,000 per acre compensation? And why is no farmer union leader questioning AAP leaders or Punjab Chief Minister?” asked Jakhar.
Furthermore, Jakhar criticized the Punjab Government's failure to provide bonuses over the minimum support price (MSP) of wheat, contrasting it with proactive measures taken by other states like Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. “States like Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are giving Rs 125 per quintal bonus over and above MSP of wheat. Why is no such bonus being given by the Punjab Government and why are no questions being put to them?” Jakhar asked.
He went on to add, “The farmer is in distress and he needs a solution to get his or her income increased but the question is of leadership. Who should guide them properly to understand all the aspects and pose questions accordingly?” Jakhar asked.
The state BJP chief did not spare the Congress either, slamming the grand old party for its conspicuous silence on farmers’ issues.
Turning his attention to the Central Government schemes, Jakhar raised pertinent questions about the implementation of the Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana in Punjab. He highlighted significant disparities in the number of registered farmers benefiting from the scheme, citing administrative lapses and bureaucratic hurdles hindering its effective implementation.
“Talk about the Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana of the Union Government under which Rs 6,000 per annum is given to farmers…It was started in 2018-19 when 23 lakh farmers registered from Punjab. But at present, there are only 8.5 lakhs who are taking this benefit. In all other states, the number of farmers registered with this scheme is increasing but in Punjab, it is the contrary,” he said.
Stressing that it was the state’s responsibility to get the Aadhaar, bank account etc linked so that farmers can get money, Jakhar said that the state has to assist farmers in completing the required documentation. “Why is the state not being questioned? This is causing Rs 900 crore per annum loss to the small farmers. And if BJP workers try to go to villages to help small farmers complete this formality, the unions do not allow them. So whose loss is this? Union leaders themselves should take initiative in getting more farmers registered and help them get the benefits,” Jakhar added.
Jakhar also expressed grave concern over the disruption caused by farmers blocking the tracks at Shambhu railway station, resulting in the cancellation of 69 trains daily. He underscored the significant losses incurred by the masses and the business community due to these disruptions. Additionally, he highlighted the day-long bandh organized by traders in Barnala against the farmers, further exacerbating tensions. Jakhar unequivocally condemned such incidents, emphasizing that the law applies to all, urging for a resolution to prevent further disruptions and restore normalcy in Punjab.
In a poignant plea to farmer union leaders, Jakhar emphasized the imperative of refraining from tarnishing the reputation of farmers while prioritizing farmers’ welfare over political agendas and egos. He called for constructive dialogue and collaboration to address farmers’ concerns effectively, urging all stakeholders to work towards a resolution that safeguards the interests of Punjab's farming community.
Jakhar suggested that union leaders either actively participate in the political process by contesting elections or align with political parties that resonate with their ideologies. Additionally, he urged union leaders to leverage their influence to advocate for farmers' concerns in the Parliament, regardless of their stance on the BJP.
Furthermore, Jakhar underscored the urgency of addressing the grievances of farmers, highlighting the tragic loss of young lives like Shubhkaran Singh. He emphasized the detrimental impact of ongoing tensions on the business community in Punjab, urging the leaders to provide effective guidance and support to farmers. Reflecting on past instances, Jakhar noted that farmer union leader Balbir Singh Rajewal and his associates contested elections in 2022, suggesting a potential avenue for addressing farmers’ issues if they feel unsupported by existing political parties.
NEITHER BJP NOR JAKHAR HAVE MORAL STANDING TO SPEAK ON BEHALF OF FARMERS: AAP
In a fiery retort to Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar’s statements, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) launched a scathing attack, asserting that neither the BJP nor Jakhar had any moral standing to speak on behalf of farmers, given their track record of betrayals and injustices. AAP Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO lambasted Jakhar, highlighting the BJP's alleged atrocities against farmers during their tenure and accusing the Prime Minister Narendra Modi of reneging on promises to double farmers' income.
ETO cited the tumultuous events at the Delhi borders, where over 750 farmers lost their lives during protests against the contentious farm laws. He questioned Jakhar's silence on these issues, asking whether the BJP leader had any answers for the suffering inflicted upon farmers by the Modi Government. ETO also condemned the recent clashes between farmers and authorities in Haryana, which resulted in the tragic death of a young farmer.
Addressing Jakhar's criticism of farmers' actions in Punjab, ETO defended the farmers' right to protest and restrict BJP leaders' access to villages, citing it as a consequence of the BJP's policies. He asserted that the BJP's current plight in Punjab was a direct result of their actions, suggesting that Jakhar's statements were an attempt to deflect from the BJP's failures.
Moreover, ETO expressed dismay at Jakhar's apparent ignorance regarding Punjab's water crisis and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's efforts to address it. He criticized Jakhar's questioning of the need for MSP on crops other than wheat and paddy, highlighting the importance of MSP in safeguarding farmers' interests.
Concluding his scathing critique, ETO accused Jakhar of political opportunism, noting the stark contrast between Jakhar's previous criticisms of the Modi Government as a Congressman and his current defense of it. He emphasized the lack of trust in Jakhar's statements among the people of Punjab, questioning the sincerity of his allegiance.
