Jalandhar(Parteek Singh): Leader of Opposition Sukhpal Singh Khaira slams Captain Amarinder Singh led Congress government for not increasing the State Assured Price(SAP) of sugarcane crop, where farmer of the state is already under debt and facing an economic crisis. Khaira accused Capt for favouring the politician led sugar lobby of the state instead of poor farmers who are committing suicides in the state.
Addressing a press conference at Jalandhar Khiara said sugarcane farmers are not getting the benefit which they deserve, retail price of sugar is at an all time high of Rs. 4100 per quintal, the Punjab government has not even given a meager increase in sugarcane prices in the past four years. On the other hand, SAP of sugarcane in Haryana is Rs. 330 per quintal but in Punjab, it is raging between 285-300 per quintal. This Rs 30 difference can make a major change in the economical condition of farmers which goes into the pockets of the sugar barons, but government has denied any increase to benefit the private sugar mills.
He said 70 percent of the sugarcane is crushed in 7 mills in Punjab which are owned by politicians and their close aides. Rana Sugars at Baba Bakala is owned by Cabinet Minister Rana Gurjit, who extended pressure on Chief Minister not to increase the SAP, Phagwara mill by Akali Leader Jarnail Singh Wahad, Mukerian Mill by Uttar Pradesh Politician DP Yadav, Kiri Afghana by Ponty Chadha group, Amloh mill by Oswal group close side to Badal family. Khaira demanded that Punjab government must review its decision and hike the prices of SAP at par with Haryana. Khaira also said the Aam Aadmi Party extends its support to November 15 farmers ‘Dharan’ against the government over sugarcane prices.
Over the summoning issue and resignation demand, Khaira said he has no connection with the case, other parties are asking for his resignation because they are scared of strong person holding the position of LoP. He said they all have cases against them if they give their resignation, he is ready to resign from the post. If they prove case against him, he will not even resign from the post he will also leave the politics he added.