The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) hailed the Punjab Government's landmark decision to reject the Modi Government's proposed agricultural marketing reform draft in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha. This decision makes Punjab the first state in India to reject this anti-farmer draft, protecting the interests of farmers and stakeholders in the state's agricultural sector.
AAP senior spokesperson Neel Garg congratulated Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and his government for taking a stand in favour of Punjab's farmers. "This is a historic day. The Modi Government's draft was a direct attack on the rights of Punjab and its farmers. The Mann Government has shown unparalleled commitment to safeguarding the interests of the state's farming community," said Neel Garg.
Garg recalled that when the draft was initially sent by the central government, Punjab’s Agriculture Minister consulted all stakeholders, including farmer unions, labourers, commission agents (arhtiyas), and other agricultural representatives. During these discussions, it became evident that the proposal was against Punjab's interests and would harm farmers in the long run.
He highlighted the negative impacts the draft could have had: farmers would face difficulties selling their crops at the Minimum Support Price (MSP), Punjab's mandi (market) system would be destroyed, the income of commission agents severely impacted, and road maintenance under the Rural Development Fund (RDF), covering approximately 65,000 kilometers of Punjab's roads, would suffer due to reduced funding.
Neel Garg emphasized that this decision reflects AAP's consistent support for farmers and their struggles. "The Aam Aadmi Party has always stood by farmers, supported their demands, and opposed any policy that harms their rights," he said.
He also challenged opposition parties, especially the Congress, to take similar steps in other states. "While Congress claims to support farmers, why have their state governments not opposed this draft? Punjab is leading by example, and other states should follow suit," Garg added.
Neel Garg congratulated CM Bhagwant Mann and his government for this praiseworthy decision. "This move shows AAP's commitment to standing with farmers and protecting Punjab's interests. We commend Mann Sahib's government for making Punjab a model for other states," he concluded.