Punjab BJP Chief Sunil Jakhar Accuses AAP, Congress, and Farmer Leaders of Exploiting Farmers for Political Gains
Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar has strongly criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Congress, and farmer leaders, accusing them of using farmers for their own political and personal interests.
Addressing a press conference on Thursday, Jakhar warned farmers, saying, “Pagri sambhal Jatta. You are being used by the AAP, Congress, and even farmer leaders for their political agendas.”
Reacting to the recent crackdown on farmer protests, he expressed deep concern, stating, “Kisanan nu bahut doongi satt vajji hai atte Punjab dhai jaanda hai” (Farmers have been deeply hurt, and Punjab is being devastated). He claimed that even when farmers voice legitimate concerns, they are not being heard.
Jakhar accused AAP and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of betraying the farming community. He alleged that while AAP initially supported the farmers’ movement, it has now turned against them. “It is AAP that instigated these protests. Mann, who once championed farmers' rights, has now become their adversary. In my 70 years of life, I have never seen a lawyer turn hostile against his own client.”
Questions Over Government’s Actions
Raising concerns about the state government’s handling of farmer leader Jagjit Dallewal, Jakhar questioned its abrupt decision to remove him from the protest site. He pointed out that in December, the Punjab government told the Supreme Court that it could not remove Dallewal, fearing the situation would spiral out of control.
"How is it that the same government managed to clear the protest site in just 20 minutes yesterday? This was clearly a well-planned strategy by the state government,” he remarked.
Attack on Kejriwal and Congress
Jakhar also criticized AAP national convener and former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of using farmers for electoral gains. He alleged that Kejriwal had leveraged farmer protests during the Delhi elections, only to shift focus to pleasing industrialists with his Industrial Policy after securing power.
"There is no sign of a Farmers’ Policy, nor will there be one. This is just a political stunt ahead of the upcoming Ludhiana by-election,” he stated.
Turning his attention to the Congress, Jakhar challenged the party’s stance on Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers. He pointed out that when Congress MLA Rana Gurjeet Singh proposed MSP for all sugarcane farmers in Punjab, the party itself failed to support it.
"Why doesn’t Congress hold a protest at the hospital where Jagjit Dallewal is admitted, or at the Shambhu border, where farmers were forcibly removed?" he asked.
Farmers Misled by Political Leaders
Jakhar accused various political leaders of misleading farmers and exploiting their struggles for political gain. “Ordinary farmers are unable to see through this web of political deception. They must think about their future before making decisions. Even the death of protesting farmer Shubhkarman was twisted to tarnish the BJP’s image.”
He also condemned the state government’s handling of an alleged incident involving an Army colonel being beaten by police, stating that it was unfortunate that Punjab, once known for ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan,’ is now witnessing its chief minister turning a blind eye to crucial issues.
"Instead of addressing these serious matters, the government is engaged in damage control," he added.
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