Sunil Jakhar, Punjab BJP head on May 15, 2024, has summoned farmer leaders for only raising their voice against the centre while neglecting to push out the government of Aam Adami Party(AAP) for MSP bonus and unpaid compensation to damaged farms.
His reaction came when his party candidates face anger from farmers during canvasing for Lok Sabha polls in the state. The farmers then used this forum to ask questions from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and waved black flags at them as a sign of not accepting their demands.
The AAP led government in Punjab promised to give Rs. 20,000 per acre as compensation towards crop damages during floods last year. However, ultimately, the farmers were given Rs. 6,800 per acre which was taken from the disaster relief fund allocated by the Central Government. “What is your position on ₹20k compensation; why no protest against CM Bhagwant Mann,” Mr. Jakhar asked farmer leaders.
While addressing media persons in Chandigarh Jakhar said that there are many pro-farmer initiatives by National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at centre headed by BJP which nullifies the narrative being crafted falsely in Punjab by AAP and Congress to divert attention away from their failures.
According to him, substantial increase in payout to farmers by Centre in state reflects BJP’s commitment to doubling farmers’ income.
It was reiterated by Mr. Jakar that agitating farmers’ problems can only be resolved if there is a new central government
According to Punjab BJP chief, budget for agriculture has hiked up since ₹21,900 crore ten years ago under Narendra Modi regime upto ₹25 Lakh Crore 2024