BJP creating hurdles in procurement, treating farmers like criminals: Hooda

Ambala/Yamunanagar: Leader of opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Thursday accused the BJP-led Haryana govt of "orchestrating another scam" in the name of wheat and mustard procurement by imposing multiple conditions that, he claimed, are discouraging farmers from selling their produce.Hooda, along with Haryana Congress president Rao Narendra Singh, visited several grain markets in Naraingarh and Sadhaura areas of Ambala and Yamunanagar districts. Hooda alleged that the govt was creating a "bureaucratic maze" for farmers through requirements such as portal registration, gate passes, biometric verification, tractor registration details, general verification and even guarantors."Farmers are being treated like criminals. The intent appears to entangle them in procedures so the govt can avoid procuring crops altogether," Hooda said, contrasting the situation with the Congress regime, during which he claimed procurement was conducted smoothly without such hurdles.Congress leaders, including Ambala City MLA Nirmal Singh, Ambala MP Varun Chaudhary, Jagadhri MLA Akram Khan, Shahabad MLA Ramkaran Kala, along with district leaders and party workers, were also present.Pointing out that farmers are already under stress due to unseasonal rains damaging standing crops, Hooda urged the govt to immediately conduct a special girdawari (crop damage assessment) and provide compensation to agriculturists.Hooda also demanded a bonus per quintal for farmers, criticising ministers' claims that recent rainfall would boost crop yields. "Farmers are being crushed between adverse weather and govt policies," he said.The BJP govt has not yet responded to the allegations.Seeks Resignations of Cross-Voting MLAsResponding to questions on the recent Rajya Sabha elections, Hooda targeted party MLAs who allegedly cross-voted, asserting they had "betrayed both the party and the public" and should resign on moral grounds. "These MLAs were elected to oppose the BJP. By cross-voting, they have gone against the mandate of the people," he said, adding that attempts to justify their actions through allegations against party leadership would not hold.Echoing his stance, Rao Narendra Singh said that strict disciplinary action would be taken. "I have already forwarded their names with my report to the party high command. Further action will be decided at that level," he stated, warning that those involved "cannot escape accountability by resorting to falsehoods". Ends MSID:: 130143014 413 |