The ruling Congress party and the Opposition Shiromani Akali Dal in Punjab continued their war of words over the recently proposed Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi in the interim Union Budget.
While Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Monday accused the Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Badal of pretending to be concerned about problems of the people, especially the farmers, the party in turn accused the Congress leaders of harbouring a negative mindset.
“Why had he (Sukhbir) not spoken up for the farmers all these years despite his party (SAD) being a part of the ruling alliance at the Centre? The Central government has already made a mockery of the farmers by announcing a meagre ₹6,000 a year to support them,” said Capt. Amarinder here, adding that Mr. Sukhbir’s demand from the Centre to double the amount was an insult to farmers.
“Did he really believe a thousand rupees a month would help the beleaguered farmers, many of whom were being driven to suicide as a result of massive debts?” asked Capt. Amarinder.
He said if the Centre was really interested in helping farmers, it should announce a one-time waiver of loans.
‘Negative mindset’
Meanwhile, former Akali Dal Minister Maheshinder Singh Grewal said Punjab Congress leaders have a negative mindset and outright criticism of the proposed scheme was unwarranted.
“Instead of appreciating the out-of-the-box thinking of the Union government to take measures to ameliorate the condition of the poor farmers, the Congress leaders, including Punjab Congress president Sunil Jakhar, are critical about the amount being offered,” said Mr. Grewal.
