Agriculture Minister Khuddian faces tough questions from farmers

Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian was questioned by some farmer leaders during his visit to Gaggar village in the Lambi Assembly segment here today.

According to Punjab Khet Mazdoor Union leader Kala Singh and Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) leader Malkit Singh Gaggar, the minister avoided giving direct answers to their queries. They claimed Khuddian, in a haste, even incorrectly stated that the state government had increased the pension amount for old-age, widow, and disabled beneficiaries.

Some videos of the farmers confronting the minister have also gone viral on social media.

The farmer leaders also demanded an explanation for the government’s failure to withdraw case related to lathi charge on farmers in Lambi in the past, despite earlier assurances. They further questioned him about the government’s handling of protests at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders.

Before leaving, Khuddian asked the farmer leaders to come to his residence to hold talks in a peaceful manner.

Meanwhile, the Punjab Khet Mazdoor Union announced that it would stage a district-level protest outside Cabinet Minister Baljit Kaur’s residence in Malout on May 30 to raise the issues concerning the farm labourers and farmers.