In an apparent attempt to cultivate popularity in Punjab less than two years before the assembly elections, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi traveled the rural roads less taken by national-level politicians for expressing solidarity with the family of a debt-ridden farmer.The farmer, who had aired his grievances before the Gandhi family scion during his visit to the State’s grain markets in April, had about a week back ended his life because of heavy debt burden.
60-year-old farmer, Surjit Singh, had met Congress vice-president on April 28 and briefed him about the hardships the farming community is facing and demanded help after their crops were destroyed by unseasonal rains. Unable to pay his debt, Surjit committed suicide on June 10 by consuming poison.Donning white long kurta with blue denims, Rahul participated in Surjit’s bhog and last prayers on Thursday at Dadumajra village near Chunni Kalan in Fategarh Sahib district. He stayed there for about 20 minutes, and met every member of the bereaved family.
Rahul, accompanied by local MlA Kuljit Singh Nagra and party’s state unit Kisan and Khet Majdoor cell head Inderjit Singh Zira, was seen interacting with Surjit’s son and grandson for quite some time. He also hugged Surjit’s widow, who could not hold back her tears.Surjit’s family members said that Rahul has assured them that he will take up the issue with the Centre. “Rahul ji came here especially to attend the bhog of my father. He promised to raise the plight of farmers in the country,” Surjit’s son Kulwinder Singh told the reporters.
The family members minced no words to attack the ruling combine. They alleged that no one from the ruling Akali Dal and BJP had bothered to enquire about their plight.On the other hand, local MlA Nagra and party’s farmers’ cell chairman Zira gave`2 lakh financial assistance to the family. Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president Partap Singh Bajwa had, right after Surjit’s death, announced `2 lakh compensation.
Just like he took everyone by surprise during his previous Punjab tour in April, Rahul, this time also, kept his visit under wraps. Reportedly, no one from the State party unit was informed about his visit.Only party’s farmers’ cell chairman Zira received him on Chandigarh airport on his arrival at around 8:15 am, who also accompanied him to Surjit’s home.Congress party sources maintained that the visit was kept low profile and that was why no senior party leader was present.Rahul, besides assuring Surjit’s family of every possible help, has maintained that he would raise the farmers’ issues strongly. “We are the supporters of the farmers and would do everything and fight to give them what is their right,” he said.
He said that the farmers, because of financial crisis, were taking such extreme steps, and the Centre and the state governments should come forward for their help, which they were not doing. “Congress is always with the farmers, and will struggle for farmers’ rights,” he added.PPCC Kisan and Khet Mazdoor Cell chairman Zira, while talking with The Pioneer, said that Rahul Gandhi has given a set of instructions to the members of the cell and also to the party leaders. “He has asked us to assure each and every farmer, by visiting them, that the Congress party is with them in this hour of struggle and would stand by them,” he said.He said that Rahul Gandhi has made it clear that Surjit Singh’s “sacrifice” would not go waste and the party would fight hard to make the BJP government answerable to him.