SAD-BJP gives credit to Badal for wheat MSP hike, paddy bonus

Chandigarh, Oct 10 (UNI) The entire leadership of the Shiromani Akali Dal and Bharatiya Janata Party (SAD-BJP) today thanked Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal for his relentless efforts in securing a hike of Rs 250 per quintal in the MSP of wheat from the Centre.

In a joint statement issued here, the SAD-BJP leadership said that Mr Badal vehemently advocated the case of Punjab's beleaguered peasantry which was in great distress anddemanded MSP of atleast Rs 1200 per quintal of wheat, adding, this was the price at which the country was importing wheat from Australia and there was no reason to deny the same price to the local producers.

The leaders endorsed the stand of Mr Badal that the hike was not only delayed but was also inadequate and the decision was taken under the pressure of market forces.

The SAD-BJP leadership also lauded Mr Badal, who once again proved to be the true champion of the peasantry by also securing a bonus of Rs 50 per quintal on paddy. They said that the bonus on paddy was a step in a right direction but it should actually have been included in the MSP instead of treating it as a bonus.

UNI