No compromise on MSP system: SAD

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 13

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal said on Saturday said his party would never compromise on the issue of assured procurement of paddy and wheat by government agencies at the minimum support price (MSP) as this was a question of life and death for the peasantry.

“The SAD is a part of the government at the Centre to ensure that the interests of Punjabis, farmers and other poor segments are safeguarded,” he said.

The SAD president said he saw no threat to the present MSP regime at this stage. “But if at any point, MSP and assured procurement are tinkered with, the SAD will not remain a mute spectator,” he said.

“The SAD is fully conscious of the party’s historic role as the voice and conscience of people. Not just Punjabis, the whole country looks at us for guidance and inspiration in the realisation of farmers’ aspirations. We will live up to those expectations,” Badal said in a statement here.