FormerCabinet Minister and Congress leader Navjot Sidhu on Sunday lashed out at FoodMinister Piyush Goyal over his letter to Punjab Chief Minister CaptainAmarinder Singh asking to implement the Centre's order regarding e-payment ofthe Minimum Support Price (MSP) into the accounts of farmers from the upcomingrabi marketing season.
Sidhuwho is vocal about Punjab issues, today in a press conference held at his Patialaresidence said that Food Minister Piyush Goyal is a good friend to him and heknows him well, but as far as his intentions in the letter are concerned, itstands on false claims and if online MSP payment will be implemented, the smallfarmers would be the most affected.
Cricketer-turned-PoliticianSidhu said that Goyal’s letter to Punjab CM is a part of a larger conspiracy and the BJP government is trying to disturb the age-old successful Mandi system inPunjab.
Punjabat present pays to farmers through arhtiyas (commission agents) under thePunjab Agriculture Produce Marketing Rules-1962. The rules mandate MSP paymentsthrough commission agents.
Goyalhad written to Punjab CM Capt Amarinder Singh that it would not get any furtherexemption in the matter, noting that a majority of states are complying withthe guidelines.
Meanwhile,Navjot Sidhu taking firm stand against the online MSP payment said the recentletter by the central minister was nothing but "a bundle of false claims”.He called Goyal a ‘liar’ saying the step would badly affect the small farmers.
Furtherspeaking on centre suggestions to follow Haryana's digital procedure, Sidhu citeda national sample survey of 2012 -13 which says 24 per cent of farming is on acontract basis. Thus, if this online system is implemented no farmer will getpayment.
NavjotSidhu also targeted BJP Government over farmers protest issue and said it’sbeen four months now that farmers are protesting on Delhi borders, however, thecentre government seem least bothered. He accused the government for supportingprivate sectors led by their counterparts “Adanis and Ambanis”.
AsCongress government stands in support with Farmers and making all efforts toget these controversial farm laws revoked, therefore, the this Ambani-Adanigovernment is targeting Punjab Farmers to ruin the peace and economy of thestate.