New Delhi, April 27
Launching a scathing attack on the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab Government, Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries, S. Ravneet Singh Bittu, said that the AAP government has completely failed in procurement of wheat of Punjab’s farmers during the crucial procurement season. He accused the state administration of criminal negligence, gross mismanagement, and deliberately harassing farmers and farm labourers.
Bittu said while the Union Government under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji has made every possible arrangement for smooth procurement, the Punjab Government has exposed its incompetence and anti-farmer mindset.
“The Centre has approved a massive ₹30,973 crore Cash Credit Limit (CCL) for Punjab. Every logistical and procurement arrangement has been completed in advance. Yet, farmers are forced to sleep in mandis, their produce lies unattended, and labourers are suffering because the Punjab Government has failed on every front,” Bittu said.
Bittu further stated that the Centre had allocated 4.88 lakh bales (1 bale = 500 bags) for RMS 2026-27 and also granted permission to procure additional stock through the GeM portal whenever required. Even quality specifications were relaxed by the Union Government to ensure no farmer suffers losses.
“Despite all support from the Centre, the Punjab Government has no excuse left. If bags are available, storage space is created, CCL is sanctioned, and procurement norms are relaxed, then why is wheat not being purchased on time?” he asked.
Bittu also highlighted the proactive role played by FCI and Indian Railways in clearing existing foodgrain stocks to create storage space. “I personally monitored daily movement throughout April. Till 26 April, 275 rakes were moved from Punjab — 109 rice rakes and 166 wheat rakes. In the same period, Haryana moved only 131 rakes. Railways are fully prepared to provide more rakes within hours whenever FCI informs us.”
Taking a direct swipe at the AAP government, Bittu said Punjab farmers had voted for change but got chaos, incompetence, and betrayal.
“The Bhagwant Mann Government is busy in publicity stunts while farmers suffer in mandis under the scorching sun. This is not governance; this is betrayal of Punjab’s hardworking farmers,” he said.
Bittu added that recurring power cuts during the peak season have further worsened the crisis, disrupting mandi operations and causing hardship to labourers.
Bittu demanded immediate intervention by the Punjab Chief Minister and warned that history will not forgive a government that abandons farmers in their hour of need.
“The AAP Government must stop blaming others and answer why Punjab’s farmers are being punished despite full support from the Centre,” he said.
