BJP blaming Punjab for air pollution in Delhi to defame state's farmers: CM Mann

CHANDIGARH: Chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday accused the BJP of blaming Punjab for the air pollution in Delhi, and said it has turned the matter into a political issue just to defame the state's farmers.

Addressing the media after chairing a Cabinet meeting here, Mann said blaming Punjab for Delhi's haze is not justifiable.


If stubble smoke has to travel to Delhi from Punjab, the wind should blow from north to south, which is not the case right now, he said.

"Moreover, 70-80 per cent of (paddy) crop has not yet arrived (in the mandis). Only 90 lakh metric tonnes have arrived, and much more is awaited," he said.

"(Delhi minister Manjinder Singh) Sirsa sahab already said the smoke has reached Delhi. Why didn't he talk about Haryana? Haryana is located between Delhi and Punjab. They are not able to clean the Yamuna," Mann said, taking a dig at the BJP government in Delhi.

Asking how Delhi's AQI crosses 400, 500, Mann said, "Why does the smoke not cross Delhi? Does it know that it has to halt in Connaught Place or in any other particular spot in Delhi?"

Hitting out at the BJP, the chief minister said, "It is turning the matter into a political issue to defame the farmers. I have been saying right from day one that do not defame the 'Anndattas' (farmers), rather give a solution (to the stubble-burning issue)."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi should convene a meeting of the states which face the stubble-burning problem, including Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan, so that they can put forward their views, Mann said.

He also said that some alternative crops can be suggested to the farmers, which will ensure the same amount of money they get from paddy.

"Why would the farmers sow paddy if they have an alternative? Rice is not even part of our staple diet," he said.

Despite the devastating floods in Punjab recently, the state would contribute 170 lakh metric tonnes of rice to the central pool, Mann said. "But they do not appreciate this," he said, taking a dig at the Centre.

Notably, AAP leaders recently criticised Delhi Environment Minister Sirsa's remarks blaming the AAP dispensation in Punjab for the toxic haze over the national capital.

The Delhi government also blamed the AAP in Punjab for the air pollution in the capital, alleging that the neighbouring state forced farmers to burn a record amount of paddy stubble on Diwali night (October 20).

Addressing a press conference in Delhi recently, Sirsa accused the AAP of "playing religion politics".

Sirsa claimed that while AAP leaders condemned the Delhi chief minister, the BJP and Sanatan Dharma followers over festival celebrations, the real reason behind the worsening air quality in the capital was large-scale stubble burning in Punjab.

Replying to a question on the Election Commission's announcement to hold Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in 12 states and UTs, Mann said many political parties have objections against the exercise, which should be heard.

"The matter of what documents will be accepted for identification came up before the Supreme Court," Mann said.

"We don't want the SIR to be seen as (a means of) 'vote chori', where votes of its own people are added and votes going to other parties are deleted. That will be dangerous for democracy. The ECI should give a detailed reply on this issue," Mann said.

Asked if the state received funds from the Centre's Rs 1,600 crore package for flood relief, Mann said he has been trying to get the funds.

"They (Centre) are asking us to deduct funds coming under other schemes, saying they will be considered as part of the package," the chief minister claimed.

"They (Centre) are trying to complete the package amount with funds received under other schemes. They said Rs 1,600 crore was just a token amount and more funds will follow. But so far, the token amount has not been given," he said.

Asked about the time sought for a meeting with the prime minister, Mann said perhaps the prime minister has more activities in Bihar, where elections are due next month.

"Pradhan Mantri saab is also a 'rally Pradhan Mantri', who forgets everything when there are elections in any state. He (Modi) has a six or seven-day programme in Bihar. We are even ready to meet him in Bihar if he gives us time.

"We just want to share our state's problems and seek our rights. We can go to Patna, Gaya, Samastipur or wherever he says. Will meet him wherever he gives time for a meeting," Mann said.

The AAP government had earlier accused the prime minister of not giving time to meet the chief minister.

About the Cabinet decisions taken on Tuesday, Mann said the Council of Ministers gave its nod to create a new sub-tehsil for Ludhiana North.

The Cabinet also approved upgrading the Barnala Municipal Council to Barnala Municipal Corporation, he said.
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