In Punjab, the issue of delayed paddy lifting has escalated into a major political confrontation between the state and central governments. Today, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) staged a massive protest against the central government in Chandigarh. AAP leaders and supporters attempted to march towards the BJP office near Batra Theatre in Sector 37, but were blocked by police barricades.
Chandigarh Police deployed buses and began detaining AAP leaders to prevent further escalation. Among those detained was Punjab Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO, who is leading the protest.
During the protest, Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO issued a warning to the central government, demanding expedited paddy lifting. He stated that if the center does not act swiftly, AAP will intensify their protests and may even march to Delhi. Minister Lal Chand Bhullar echoed these sentiments, affirming the party’s commitment to farmers, saying they would not hesitate to make sacrifices if needed.
The ministers emphasized that if farmers remain in distress, their roles as ministers are meaningless. They reiterated that any funds from the center are part of its duty and not a favor to the Punjab government. As per policy, the previous crop should be lifted before the new harvest, a process that remains incomplete.
AAP leaders claimed that the Punjab government has been serious about the paddy lifting issue since the beginning. MP Malwinder Singh Kang shared that the state’s Food Supply Department has been corresponding with the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and the central ministry since March. Despite this, no action was taken by the center for nine months.
Letters were first sent on March 5, followed by communications on March 11, 13, 19, and 22. In June, additional letters were sent on June 14 and June 27, with more follow-ups on September 3. In total, fifteen letters have been sent, and the Punjab Chief Minister has personally met with central ministers in Delhi to address the matter.