Are you not same Manpreet who quit SAD-BJP govt in protest against subsidies to farmers, aks Tarun Chugh

Chandigarh, June 17, 2017: BJP has slammed Punjab Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal for his double standards and shallow claim of being 'farmer friendly'.

Tarun Chugh, the national secretary of the party, today asked Manpreet whether he was not the same leader who had quit SAD-BJP government in the year 2010 in protest against subsidies to farmers.

He reminded Manpreet that the SAD-BJP government was providing subsidies to farmers of the state to the tune of almost Rs.5,000 crore annually but he had been opposing the subsidies and ultimately quit the government.

The BJP leader said it was surprising that the same Manpreet Badal who at that time had opposed free power to farmers tooth and nail was now projecting himself as the 'messiah' of farmers.

Chugh said the SAD-BJP government was the first to announce free power for farmers of the state after 50 years of Independence and 45 years of Congress rule. He said it was the combine government which announced free power for farmers in the first meeting of the cabinet formed in 1997.

"Let people know what people friendly decisions have been taken by your government-led by Capt Amarinder Singh in the 90 days of your present rule," he said.

Chugh also reminded Manpreet that the Congress government formed in the year 2002 under the leadership of Capt Amarinder Singh had tried to stop the power subsidy started by SAD-BJP government.

"The move fell through after strong resistance by SAD-BJP combine and you were a party to the protests inside and outside the Assembly. Has the Congress changed its stance from anti-farmer to pro-farmer or have you changed your stance?" Chugh asked.

The BJP leader said that it was Manpreet who headed the Manifesto Committee of the Congress for 2017 Assembly elections which promised to waive off the farm loan and fight corruption.

"However, after coming to power, the Congress has been putting off farm loan waiver on one pretext or the other. Your government, instead of waiving off the loan, constituted a committee headed by T Haq which has not given its report till date and its term is being extended," he said adding that it clearly indicates that the government did not have the will to honour its promise.