Amidst the ongoing farmers' protest encircling the Delhi borders, Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu raised questions on Sunday regarding the Centre's commitment to doubling farmers' income and increasing Minimum Support Price (MSP), pondering whether a 'greater deception' exists. In today's press conference, Sidhu expressed his concerns, highlighting that while everything seems to be on the rise, the income of farmers remains stagnant, as reported by ANI.
"The identity of Punjab is farming. The government is formed with their (farmers) votes, and today they are wandering here and there on the streets. I am saying directly that the Centre has cheated us. They made commercial laws on agriculture and ran their narrative. Whenever there is an agricultural revolution in the country, it arises from Punjab and Haryana," he stated.
"Kasmein, vade, pyaar, wafa, sab baatein hai baaton ka kya. (What about oaths, promises, love, and loyalty?) Farmers' income will be doubled, and MSP will be increased. Is there any bigger lie in the world than this?" he added later.
Sidhu Highlights Inflation In Different Sectors
Navjot Singh Sidhu further underlined that the price of edible oil has increased from Rs 77 to Rs 210.
"The price of mustard oil doubled, and the price of gas cylinders skyrocketed. The prices of everything increased, but the income of farmers did not change. When inflation increases, it does not affect the rich but benefits them greatly. Directly or indirectly, 50 percent of people are employed in agriculture. If the country has to progress, then it will be from this sector, not from the service or manufacturing sector," Sidhu stated, ANI reported.
The Punjab Congress leader emphasised the significant contributions of Punjabis to the nation across various domains, including their pivotal role during the independence struggle. Despite this, he lamented the disproportionate allocation of industrial packages, largely favoring states like Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh, and questioned this discrimination.
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Earlier today, the Union Home Ministry imposed a temporary internet ban in seven districts of Punjab until February 24, including Patiala district, SAS Nagar, Bathinda, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Mansa, Sangrur, and Fatehgarh Sahib. Ahead of the fourth round of talks between the Centre and protesting farmers, AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal expressed hope for a mutually agreeable resolution.
Responding to queries about the upcoming talks, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed optimism, stating, "I hope they reach a solution."