Former Cabinet Minister and Congress leader Navjot Sidhu on Sunday lashed out at Food Minister Piyush Goyal over his letter to Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh asking to implement the Centre's order regarding e-payment of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) into the accounts of farmers from the upcoming rabi marketing season.
Sidhu who is vocal about Punjab issues, today in a press conference held at his Patiala residence said that Food Minister Piyush Goyal is a good friend to him and he knows him well, but as far as his intentions in the letter are concerned, it stands on false claims and if online MSP payment will be implemented, the small farmers would be the most affected.
Cricketer-turned-Politician Sidhu 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 in Punjab.
Punjab at present pays to farmers through arhtiyas (commission agents) under the Punjab Agriculture Produce Marketing Rules-1962. The rules mandate MSP payments through commission agents.
Goyal had written to Punjab CM Capt Amarinder Singh that it would not get any further exemption in the matter, noting that a majority of states are complying with the guidelines.
Meanwhile, Navjot Sidhu taking firm stand against the online MSP payment said the recent letter 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.
Further speaking on centre suggestions to follow Haryana's digital procedure, Sidhu cited a national sample survey of 2012 -13 which says 24 per cent of farming is on a contract basis. Thus, if this online system is implemented no farmer will get payment.
Navjot Sidhu also targeted BJP Government over farmers protest issue and said it’s been four months now that farmers are protesting on Delhi borders, however, the centre government seem least bothered. He accused the government for supporting private sectors led by their counterparts “Adanis and Ambanis”.
As Congress government stands in support with Farmers and making all efforts to get these controversial farm laws revoked, therefore, the this Ambani-Adani government is targeting Punjab Farmers to ruin the peace and economy of the state.