Chandigarh- The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) today demanded clarification from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regarding MP Ravneet Singh Bittu's recent statement comparing farmers protesting against agricultural policies with the Taliban.

SAD senior leader Bikram Singh Majithia stated that the party's silence on Bittu's remarks, which also included threats of false cases against the protesting farmers, was concerning. He questioned whether these views represented the official stance of the BJP or merely Bittu's personal opinion.

Majithia urged the Central government to address the farmers' concerns instead of escalating tensions through divisive rhetoric. He highlighted the plight of farmers who have suffered during the ongoing protests, including the deaths of over 800 individuals during the Kisan Andolan, the recent murder of Shubhkarman at Khanauri, and the atrocities inflicted on Pritpal Singh after he was kidnapped by Haryana Police.

The SAD leader further pointed to the Centre's alleged failure to procure food grains from Punjab, leading to a glut in mandis, and the inadequate supply of DAP fertilizer to the state's farmers. He argued that these actions are fostering a sense of alienation among farmers who feel targeted by the government for their participation in the Kisan Andolan.

Majithia called upon the Centre to take immediate action to resolve the issues of paddy procurement and DAP supply, and to fully implement the Swaminathan Commission report. He refuted claims that the Swaminathan Commission report has already been implemented, stating that such statements are misleading and disrespectful to the farmers.