CM warns FCI not to harass farmers during procurement

Our Correspondent

Fatehgarh Sahib, April 25

Addressing a rally in support of Congress candidate Dr Amar Singh from the Fatehgarh Sahib Lok Sabha seat, Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh alleged that the Food Corporation of India (FCI), Central government procurement agency, was knowingly harassing state farmers as their wheat fulfilling all specifications was not procured and rejected on one or the other pretext.

He added that the harassed farmers brought the matter to his notice during his visit to the Sangrur grain market. He summoned the FCI staff and directed them to conduct the moisture test in his presence and it was 10 per cent, where as it is allowed up to 12 per cent.

He warned the FCI staff to desist from their nefarious designs and to procure every grain. By 5 pm, all wheat was procured. He warned the FCI not to indulge in dirty politics “on the behest of politicians and rather help state farmers, who are 2 per cent of the population and contribute 40 per cent to the national food pool.

Blaming the Akalis for spate of desecrations and the police firing incidents, Capt Amarinder accused the Badals of trying to divide the people and polarise the communities in Punjab.

He added that for Sikhs Guru Granth Sahib and Akal Takht were supreme and the Akalis brought dishonour to both.

All seven Congress MLAs and halka incharge were present on the occasion.

Meanwhile, Dr Amar Singh accompanied by his wife, advocate and DCC president Subhash Sood filed his nomination papers.