Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann responsible for breakdown of farmer-Centre talks, says Akali Dal

Chandigarh, February 20

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) today alleged that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is responsible for the breakdown of talks between the farmer unions and the centre, stating that the CM’s “double talk” during negotiations had failed the farming community and forced them on the path of agitation.

Ordered suspension of internet

He allowed Haryana Police to fire tear gas shells and rubber pellets on farmers and misled the Centre as to the real demands of the farming community. He should tell why he ordered the Patiala Deputy Commissioner to give in writing for suspension of internet services in the district. — Prem Singh Chandumajra, SAD leader

Senior SAD leader Prof Prem Singh Chandumajra appealed to the Central Government not to try to muzzle the peaceful protest of farmers, said, “In a democracy, peaceful protest is a fundamental right and farmers should be allowed to peacefully proceed to Delhi.” He also appealed to the Centre to consider waiving off farmer loans saying, “If lakhs of crores of loans of corporates can be waived, farmers, who contribute to the food security of the nation, should not be discriminated against.”

Chandumajra alleged that CM Bhagwant Mann had practiced duplicity during the last one week. “On one hand, he allowed Haryana Police to fire tear gas shells and rubber pellets on farmers, while on the other, he misled the Centre as to the real demands of the farming community.” He said the CM had a lot of explaining to do. “He should tell why he ordered the Patiala DC to give in writing demanding suspension of internet services in the district. He should also tell why he did not try to protect the interests of the farmers before the Central Government’s representatives by making the Centre aware of the seriousness of the situation,” Chandumajra said.