Khanna, 16 April (H.S.): Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal today said chief minister Bhagwant Mann was directly responsible for not securing relaxation in moisture content for farmers of Punjab due to which their wheat crop was not being procured.

The SAD president, who visited Asia’s largest grain market here, said “it is shocking that the chief minister only woke up from his slumber after both Haryana and Rajasthan secured relaxation in moisture content norms after applying for the same immediately”. He said the State government had only applied for relaxation in the norms recently due to which the farmers were suffering.

The SAD president further criticized Mann for being “absent” during a critical time for farmers. He alleged that instead of visiting mandis and ensuring smooth procurement operations, the Chief Minister was on vacation at a luxury resort in Jaisalmer and planning foreign visits. “This is the time when leadership is required on the ground, but farmers have been left to fend for themselves,” he remarked.

Highlighting the challenges faced by farmers, Badal described the situation as a “double whammy.” He said farmers had already suffered heavy losses due to untimely rain and hailstorms, which damaged standing crops. Now, they are facing fresh difficulties as procurement agencies are reluctant to purchase wheat citing excess moisture content.

Interacting with farmers at the mandi, Badal spoke to Labh Singh, who alleged that the government was merely creating an illusion of procurement by purchasing only two to three percent of the total wheat arrivals. According to Badal, large quantities of wheat are lying unsold in mandis, adding to farmers’ anxiety.

He also accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of failing to make adequate arrangements for gunny bags required for procurement. “Substandard gunny bags are being supplied, indicating a possible scam,” he alleged. Badal urged SAD constituency in-charges to visit mandis across Punjab and mount pressure on the government to expedite procurement.

On the issue of delimitation, Badal stated that it should not be carried out solely on the basis of population. He emphasized that Lok Sabha seats should be increased proportionately across all states, rather than penalizing those that have successfully implemented population control measures. He reiterated that while SAD supports women’s reservation, it should not be used as a pretext to arbitrarily alter the number of parliamentary seats.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH