Farmers protest in Punjab: AAP holds candle light vigils

Chandigarh: Volunteers of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), under its Kisan and Mazdoor wing, today organised candle light vigils in the state to express solidarity with the on-going agitation of farmers.

AAP also blamed the SAD-BJP government for the deaths of farmers in the state recently.

 In a joint statement, Capt G S Kang, President of AAP Kisan and Mazdoor wing and General Secretary Ahbaab Grewal, said "Aam Aadmi Party believes that both the successive Congress and Akali governments are to be blamed for the miserable state of the farming community of the state."

 Punjab was the 'Food Bowl of India' and due to misguided government policies the farming community is reeling under debts and committing suicides, they said.

 "The government has failed to ensure that even the basic Minimum Support Price is not given to the farmers and they are being fleeced by sheller owners and Artihyas (commission agents) every season," they said.

 Touching the issue of whitefly attack on cotton crop in Punjab, they said, instead of giving suitable compensation the government is now insulting farmers by giving cheques of Rs 11 or less.

 "It is high time that not only Agriculture Minister Tota Singh, but also the complete cabinet of Ministers in the Badal government resign owning moral responsibility," they said.

 Meanwhile, Durgesh Pathak, AAP's Organisational Secretary reiterated the party's commitment to the farming community and promising full support to the farmers.