Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini Criticises Congress for Politicising Farmers' Concerns

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini criticised Congress and other opposition parties for politicising farmers' issues. He questioned why states governed by the opposition are not procuring all crops at Minimum Support Price (MSP) like Haryana. During a media interaction, Saini was asked about his stance on protesting farmers from Punjab who claim Haryana authorities are blocking their march to Delhi from the Shambhu border.

Saini expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for empowering farmers over the past decade. "I am the son of a poor farmer. I know the problems farmers face... I have done farming myself. I want to thank the prime minister, who in the past 10 years took several steps to empower the farmers," he stated. Farmers have been camping at Shambhu and Khanauri border points since February 13 after security forces stopped their march to Delhi.

Farmers' Demands and Political Accusations

The protesting farmers demand a legal guarantee of MSP for crops, debt waivers, and pensions for farmers and farm labourers. Saini accused Congress of spreading false information about the BJP government abolishing MSP. "MSP is not being discontinued but the Congress is losing people's trust," he said. The Haryana government has ensured full procurement of crops at MSP, which has been consistently increased by the prime minister each year.

Saini challenged Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, to ensure 100% MSP procurement in states like Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana where they hold power. He also criticised AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, urging him to assure Punjab's farmers of crop procurement at MSP. "The entire nation has understood AAP's politics of corruption and offering lollipops," Saini remarked.

Protest Developments and Future Plans

Punjab farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher announced that protesters would resume their march to Delhi on December 14 due to a lack of communication from the Centre regarding their demands. The agitating farmers, under Samyukta Kisan Morcha non-political and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha banners, paused their march on Sunday after some were injured by teargas shelling from Haryana security personnel while attempting to cross into Haryana.

Saini highlighted that Congress's misinformation campaign stems from its declining popularity. "MSP bandh nahi ho raha hai, Congress ki dukandari bandh ho rahi hai. Aur jab Congress ki dukandari bandh hoti hai, toh phir kuch na kuch peeda hoti hai. Aur peeda hoti hai toh iss prakar ka dushprachar hota hai," he said, implying that Congress resorts to misinformation when its influence wanes.

The ongoing protests reflect deep-rooted concerns among farmers about their livelihoods and future security. As tensions persist at border points between Punjab and Haryana, the call for dialogue with central authorities remains strong among protestors seeking resolution to their grievances.