Chandigarh- BJP spokesperson Harjeet Grewal criticized the AAP-led Punjab government for failing to procure paddy from farmers despite receiving funds from the Central government. Farmers in Punjab have been protesting for the second consecutive day, demanding timely paddy procurement and other demands.

Grewal stated that the Central government has already allocated Rs 44,000 crore for paddy procurement, and it is the responsibility of the state government to procure and store the produce. He further criticized the government for issuing a tender for sacks only seven days ago and for neglecting to make necessary arrangements like providing drinking water.

Farmers are protesting across several parts of Punjab, including Sangrur, Moga, Phagwara, and Batala, by organizing roadblocks. Kisan Mazdoor Morcha Coordinator Sarwan Singh Pandher stated that the protests, demanding paddy procurement, DAP supply, and stubble management solutions, have entered their second day.

Punjab's Chief Minister visited Delhi yesterday and discussed the issue with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and BJP President JP Nadda. A BJP delegation also submitted a memorandum to Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, urging him to ensure crop lifting from mandis before Diwali and Bandi Chhor Diwas.

The memorandum highlighted that the Central government released Rs 44,000 crore to the Punjab government in late September for paddy procurement at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). It further criticized the Punjab government for failing to make timely arrangements for smooth procurement, citing delays in acquiring gunny bags, tarpaulins, and notifications for custom milling policies, FRK milling policies, labor contracts, and transportation contracts.