Farmers say they find mention only in speeches of leaders

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, April 22

Farmers found their mention in Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh’s speech today. The latter was in the city to accompany sitting MP Chaudhary Santokh Singh in filing his nomination papers.

The state government was continuously working for the betterment of people and uplift of all sections of society, the Chief Minister said and cited examples of farm-loan waiver for 10.25 lakh marginal and small farmers as well as landless labourers.

The farmers, however, said they partially agreed to him that there were loan waivers but it was being given to a small portion of the farming community.

They said they were only meant to be found mention in political leaders’ speeches.

The farmers rued the fact that till now, their sugarcane dues had not got cleared.

“It was sad on the part of the government that it was not paying heed to these issues,” a farmer said.

All parties campaign for the elections, considering farmers and other sections of society as their vote banks. The farmers, industrialists and unemployed only get space in speeches.

“Promises are made by various parties before elections but when a party gets elected, everything vanishes. Be it any party, it is seen that rich are always benefitted while others remain neglected. There is never anything for the youth, unemployed or farmers. Nobody looks after health and education, which are the main sectors,” the farmers said.

The Chief Minister also lashed out at the BJP for ruining the nation with its anti-people policies such as demonetisation and GST. Earlier, while talking to The Tribune, industrialists had expressed that they had been bearing the brunt of the two decisions which were made by the Narendra Modi-led Central Government. Several protests and meetings were held and letters were also written to apprise the government of problems faced by small traders in these years.

However, traders now said they had done enough protests and now, their votes would speak for them.

Working for all sections: Amarinder 

The state government was continuously working for the betterment of people and uplift of all sections of society, the Chief Minister said and cited examples of farm-loan waiver for 10.25 lakh marginal and small farmers as well as landless labourers.