Ex-Finance Minister questions CM Saini’s thanksgiving event

Former Finance Minister Prof Sampat Singh has questioned the decision to hold a thanksgiving event for Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini in Nalwa constituency on October 26, even as vast areas in the region have been ravaged by floods and farmers are reeling under severe losses.

Prof Singh said the government should first compensate farmers, drain waterlogged fields and restore basic services before attending any celebratory function. He demanded Rs 75,000 per acre for crop losses, compensation for damaged houses and livestock, immediate procurement of all crops at MSP and timely supply of fertilisers and seeds.

The former minister warned that without the relief measures, the proposed thanksgiving programme at Panihar Farm would “add insult to the suffering of poor farmers”.

According to Singh, Nalwa constituency is among the worst-hit areas in the state. Heavy rains, broken canals, and overflowing drains have left thousands of acres submerged. He estimated that kharif crops on 30–35 lakh acres have been destroyed, besides extensive damage to houses, sheds and livestock.

Villages, including Dahima, Bhojraj, Kaimri, Gangwa, Tokas-Patan, Arya Nagar, Dhiranwas, Muklan, Hindwan, Shahpur, Neoli Kalan and Mattrashyam, remain waterlogged. Roads are broken, power supply is erratic and residents are forced to drink contaminated water, leading to disease outbreaks.

Prof Singh alleged that the government was missing during the crisis, while volunteers of Sant Rampal provided relief by donating hundreds of motors, diesel engines and pumps to drain stagnant water.

He added that farmers are now caught in a double crisis — fields are under water and there is no availability of fertilisers or seeds. With government procurement yet to start, they are being forced to sell produce like paddy, millet, moong, cotton and guar at rates far below the official rates.

Singh said only after the government fulfilled its promises made during Diwali should there be any thanksgiving to the Chief Minister.