Amid growing unrest among Punjab’s farmers, a delegation of Punjab BJP leaders met Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Sunday, submitting a detailed memorandum to address delays in paddy lifting. The delegation, including senior leaders such as Avinash Rai Khanna, Preneet Kaur, and Fateh Jang Bajwa, blamed the AAP-led State Government for inefficiency and urged the Governor to ensure timely paddy procurement as a “gift” to farmers, enabling them to celebrate Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas peacefully with their families.
The memorandum noted that despite the official paddy procurement start on October 1, the AAP Government has failed to expedite paddy lifting across the state. “This delay is attributed to the Punjab Government’s inefficiency in managing crucial aspects of procurement, such as procuring gunny bags, notifying custom milling policies, and awarding contracts for labour and transportation,” it read.
Punjab received Rs 44,000 crore from the Central Government in late September to support paddy purchases at the Minimum Support Price (MSP); however, the funds have not yet resolved critical issues in paddy handling and lifting, they said.
The BJP leaders highlighted that over 5,500 rice millers are awaiting an agreement with the state for milling services. This lack of consensus has hindered the process, forcing farmers to protest on national and state highways across Punjab. Farmers, frustrated by prolonged delays, have blocked major roads, creating disruptions during the festive season.
This growing agitation, under the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha banner, saw roadblocks in Sangrur, Moga, Gurdaspur, and Batala. Farmers are demanding immediate action to ensure that paddy is lifted without further delay. Their intensified agitation is seen as a major challenge to Punjab’s law and order, particularly during a season when families expect ease in transportation and uninterrupted festivities.
Former Chief Minister and BJP leader Capt Amarinder Singh also criticized Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, stating that Mann has “turned his back on the farmers.” He accused the State Government of neglecting its commitments to the farming community, leading to mounting frustration and lawlessness.
Adding to the farmers’ concerns, the state’s rice millers expressed worries over potential losses with the PR-126 paddy variety due to its out-turn ratio after milling. They have resisted processing this and other hybrid varieties, citing financial risks.
In a final appeal, the BJP delegation urged the Governor to press the State Government to swiftly address these logistical issues and ensure adequate supplies of DAP and urea for the upcoming sowing season.
