BJP MLA Goel protests tardy lifting of crop

Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, October 7

Aseem Goel, BJP MLA from Ambala city, today staged a symbolic sit-in outside the Vidhan Sabha against “mismanagement” in the mandis and “tardy lifting” of produce even as CM Manohar Lal Khattar said procurement was taking place as per government policies.

Maintaining that his protest was not against the Khattar government but against an Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Goel alleged he was forced to stage a dharna to highlight the grievances of the farmers, arhtiyas and labourers.

With a banner against the officer, ACS (Food and Civil Supplies), PK Das, Goel said the farmers were facing problems in getting registration numbers on the “Meri Fasal, Mera Byora” portal.

Dismissing the allegations, the ACS said procurement was progressing smoothly and was in keeping with the government’s decisions. He refused to comment further as he said he was a government official.

Later in the day, Khattar also came out in support of the officer and said the procurement was taking place as per the norms. He said he would speak to Goel to find out the problems being faced by farmers.