Will fight for farmers, federalism: SAD to coalition partner BJP

CHANDIGARH: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Thursday conveyed to the BJP’s Punjab unit that his party will go to any extent to fight for the country’s federal structure and interests of the farmers.

In a hurriedly convened coordination meeting with leaders of the party’s coalition partner at the Centre, Sukhbir, expressed displeasure over certain decisions taken by the Union cabinet. “Our party fought against the emergency imposed by Congress in 1975. We will continue to fight for democracy and federalism in future also,” he said.

The meeting, jointly presided over by Sukhbir and state BJP president Ashwani Sharma, was held in the wake of the Centre’s approval to an amendment to the Essential Commodities Act, and two ordinances on freeing up farm trade from restrictions and guaranteeing a framework for pre-agreed prices to farmers.

In response, the BJP leaders claimed that the existing system of assured procurement and minimum support price (MSP), especially on wheat and paddy, will not be altered, as apprehended by the Akali Dal.

“The Union minister for agriculture and farmer welfare is ready to come to Punjab and clarify on the issue,” Sharma said.

SEEKS INDEPENDENT PROBE INTO ‘₹5,600 CR LIQUOR SCAM’

Also, the coalition partners decided to jointly fight the excesses being committed on Punjabis by the Congressmen who they alleged were openly looting the state coffers. They demanded an independent inquiry into the ₹5,600 crore revenue loss incurred by the state in the liquor scam.

It was also decided to meet governor VP Singh Badnore to present a memorandum to demand independent inquiries into the liquor, seed and ration scams besides immediate release of sugarcane dues to farmers.

BJP LEADERS SAY THE EXISTING SYSTEM OF WHEAT AND PADDY MSP AND ASSURED PROCUREMENT WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED