Minister Gangwa advises Punjab CM to address farmers' issues

Listens to public grievances during a meeting in Karnal

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Karnal, Updated At : 03:05 AM Dec 21, 2024 IST

Haryana Public Health Engineering Minister Ranbir Gangwa listens to grievances of people at Panchayat Bhawan in Karnal. Tribune Photo: Varun Gulati

Haryana Public Health Engineering Minister Ranbir Gangwa has advised Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann to address the issues of the farmers of his state who have been protesting on the Haryana-Punjab borders. He was replying to a question related to the ongoing farmers' protests and the hunger strike by farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal at the Khanauri border. He claimed that Haryana had been proactive in addressing farmers' concerns.

“Haryana purchases maximum crops on the MSP and we ensure that the payments are transferred directly into the farmers’ accounts within 72 hours. Haryana is the leading state in compensating farmers for their losses. A committee has been formed under the High Court's directions to resolve grievances of farmers. Farmers in Haryana do not have major issues, but if Punjab farmers have concerns, their CM Mann should address them. This is not a political issue. The BJP has always stood by farmers,” said Gangwa, while interacting with mediapersons after listening to the grievances of people during the District Public Relations and Grievance Redressal Committee at Panchayat Bhawan.

On being asked about the FIR registered against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Gangwa accused the Congress of being desperate. “I have served as an MP, and Parliament is our supreme institution. Such incidents reflect the Congress’ frustration, which I strongly condemn,” he said.

When asked about the remarks of BJP Rajya Sabha MP Ram Chander Jangra regarding alleged drug use during the farmers’ protest and the disappearance of nearly 700 girls, Ganga said, “It is not appropriate to claim that farmers are involved in violence or such activities. If Ram Chander Jangra has made such remarks, he should clarify them. The drug problem is not related to farmers, but reports indicate drug trafficking is significant in Punjab.”

Gangwa reiterated the BJP government’s commitment to resolving public grievances, supporting farmers and maintaining accountability.

Earlier, as many as 13 issues were brought up at the monthly meeting, of them six were disposed of, while seven were left for the next meeting.

One issue was related to delays in installing electricity poles in urban areas. When the minister questioned, an Executive Engineer (XEN) of the UHBVN failed to provide a satisfactory reply, prompting minister Gangwa to reprimand him. “You do not have complete information. Action should also be taken against you,” the minister said.