Sampla slams AAP over paddy procurement crisis in Punjab

Senior BJP leader Vijay Sampla launched a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government during a press conference in Jalandhar here today, accusing it of failing to address the pressing issues surrounding paddy procurement in Punjab.

Sampla lambasted the state government for its handling of the procurement process, which typically begins in July but remains incomplete even in November. “Why were farmers left waiting in mandis? Despite tall promises, no concrete measures were taken to streamline procurement. This mismanagement has pushed farmers to the brink, leading to protests and even suicides,” he said.

Citing the suicide of Jaswinder Singh, a farmer from Nadampur village in Bhawanigarh, on November 5, Sampla said, “This incident reflects the unbearable pressures farmers face due to the state’s failure. A government that cannot procure crops in time is failing its people in the most fundamental way."

Referring to last night’s lathicharge on protesting farmers at Bathinda’s Raike Kalan grain market, Sampla condemned the government’s actions. He accused the administration of punishing the farmers for the AAP's poor performance in Punjab during the Lok Sabha elections. “This is unprecedented in Punjab’s history. Farmers are being targeted instead of supported,” he said.

Sampla went on to highlight other governance issues, such as black-marketing of DAP fertilisers, delays in releasing SC scholarships, and law-and-order issues. He alleged that the AAP government had mishandled funds allocated by the Centre for crop procurement. “The Centre has already provided Rs 44,000 crore for crop purchases and is willing to allocate more if required. Yet, the state government appears paralysed and incapable of resolving these issues,” he said.

Criticising the Chief Minister, Sampla said, “Punjab doesn’t need comedy but commitment. The CM must take responsibility for these shortcomings.”

He also targeted Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of ignoring farmers’ struggles during his recent visit to Ludhiana. “Instead of addressing the agricultural crisis or meeting the family of a farmer who died by suicide, Kejriwal focused on other agendas," he said, criticising him for being out of touch with the ground reality and failing to address the agricultural crisis head-on.

Sampla demanded immediate action from the AAP government to expedite the procurement process, address farmers’ grievances, and ensure timely support for the state’s agricultural sector. He called for accountability, transparency, and genuine commitment to the welfare of Punjab’s farmers.