BJP lashes out at Punjab govt over farmer suicides

Chandigarh: Punjab BJP today accused Chief Minister Amrinder Singh of turning a “blind eye” to the “increasing” number of farmer suicides, saying he should focus on fulfilling poll promises instead of making statements over the peasants condition in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

Claiming that 70 farmers have committed suicide during Congress’ 80 days in office, state BJP vice president Harjit Singh Grewal said that family members of the suicide victims are still awaiting the compensation of Rs 10 lakh and a job to a kin, which he had promised before coming into power.

“Thousands of acres of crops have been damaged due to fire, rains and hailstorm and the farmers are awaiting compensation of Rs 20,000 which you had promised,” he said in a statement.

Grewal asked the CM and Punjab Congress chief Sunil Jakhar to fulfil their poll promises as people had voted them into power believing in them.

“Farmers in the state are going through the worst phase of their lives and you have failed them on all fronts. Stop making excuses and keep your promises or BJP will be forced to take the farmers along and launch an agitation against the government,” he said.

—PTI