Expresses displeasure over the central team’s failure to submit crop-loss report and Punjab government’s delay in disbursing compensation.
Warning to Delhi government: Stop maligning Punjab—our air does not pollute any state.
Pargat Singh urges CM Mann to hold a data-backed press conference in Delhi and file a case against the IT cells running misinformation campaigns.
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh-
Padma Shri Pargat Singh, MLA and Secretary of the All India Congress Committee, expressed deep concern over the plight of Punjab’s farmers and condemned the silence of both the state and central governments. He alleged that while farmers are suffering immense losses, their grievances remain unheard.
On one hand, farmers are being forced to sell their flood-affected paddy crops at distress rates—ranging between Rs. 50 to Rs. 500 per quintal—well below the Minimum Support Price (MSP). On the other, as every year, Punjab and its farmers are being blamed for Delhi’s pollution. Instead of ensuring MSP procurement, both governments are evading their responsibilities.
Pargat Singh strongly objected to the fact that the 14-member central team has yet to submit its report on crop damage, nor has the Punjab government acted promptly to release compensation. He said the apathy of both governments over this issue is evident and unacceptable. He warned that this is not the time for mere announcements, but for decisive action to secure the rightful dues of farmers.
He further stated that while Punjab’s farmers are struggling with crop losses due to floods and unseasonal rains, the BJP-led central government is delaying relief measures. When farmers demand aid, the Aam Aadmi Party government shifts blame to the Centre instead of fulfilling its own obligations. The result is that the farmers alone continue to suffer—a case, he said, of criminal negligence. Punjab’s farmers deserve justice, he asserted.
Pargat Singh also criticized the BJP and AAP IT cells for spreading misinformation and blaming Punjab for Delhi's air pollution, calling it a routine annual tactic. Citing a study by Punjab Agricultural University, he clarified that no pollution generated in Punjab reaches Delhi.
He expressed surprise at the complete silence of the Bhagwant Mann government and questioned its inaction against such hate-driven campaigns. He asked, is this because "Arvind Kejriwal is not in power in Delhi"? Or has the Punjab Chief Minister been instructed not to act against the Delhi A-Team?” he asked.
He urged Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to travel to Delhi and hold a press conference backed with scientific data to defend Punjab’s image. He demanded an FIR against the IT cells disseminating misleading videos and said that any conspiracy by BJP and AAP to defame Punjab and its farmers will be firmly resisted.