State govt creating hurdles for farmers: Cong MP Selja

Congress MP Kumari Selja on Saturday visited the Gharaunda grain market and strongly criticised the government’s handling of wheat procurement, raising concerns over restrictions imposed on farmers.

During her visit, Selja said that unseasonal rains had damaged standing wheat crops, leaving farmers in distress. “We went to the fields and saw the losses first-hand. In mandis too, the government has created unnecessary hurdles for farmers and arhtiyas. Instead of easing procurement, restrictions are being tightened, and policies are imposed without considering ground realities,” she said while interacting with mediapersons.

She also stated that farmers are being forced to stand in long queues to sell their crops due to requirements such as photographing tractors with registered numbers at the market entrance and biometric verification during procurement. “Mandis were meant to facilitate farmers, not harass them,” she said, adding that the government must make policy decisions based on farmers’ needs and ground situations.

Highlighting the broader impact, Selja said, “Our economy is built on farming and labour. If the foundation is weakened, the consequences are visible in mandis today. Farmers and labourers work hard, yet they face restrictions at every step. This is why people are angry.”

Speaking on the recent cross-voting during the Rajya Sabha elections, Selja acknowledged that the matter was under investigation. “This is an internal issue of the party. The disciplinary committee met in Chandigarh on Friday, and the case will go to the high command. The party has taken cognisance and is treating it seriously,” she said.

Selja also pointed out discrepancies in the voting numbers. “We had 37 MLAs, but only 28 votes were cast in our favour. Thankfully, our candidate still won. Out of 37, we needed 31 votes, but the count fell short. This raises serious questions, and the party must look into not just these five votes but other aspects as well,” she added.