BKU Mann holds an important meeting: Compares and evaluates the Election Manifesto released by Congress and BJP

Chandigarh, April 15, 2019: An important meeting of BKU was held today under the leadership of S.Bhupinder Singh Mann, Ex MP, National President BKU and Chairman All India Kisan Coordination Committee. S.Baldev Singh Mianpur, President of Punjab unit of BU was also present. During the meeting, detailed analysis of the Election Manifesto's released by both National parties i.e BJP and Congress was done specific to the Agriculture. The Election Manifesto issued by BJP was found to be just a routine. There is nothing which can show a positive, creative mindset of BJP towards agriculture. On the other hand, agriculture has been well covered in the Manifesto of Congress. Especially recognizing the harsh reality that there is no fault of farmers in their indebtedness as terms of trade were decisively against agriculture. With the promise of "Karz Mukti" instead of "Karz maafi", Congress has identified core problem. Congress has also tried to hit at the various policy issues which lead to the agrarian crisis. These include, promise of changing laws like draconian Essential Commodities Act (under 9th Schedule) and APMC Act. These laws virtually deny the farmers from any justice from the court of law. These will liberate the farmers from draconian anti farmer policies. Recognising Debt as Civil liability rather than Criminal is also step in right direction which we have been demanding for a long time. We have been demanding a Separate budget for agriculture. By announcing a separate budget for agriculture, Congress has also moved in the much desired direction. Changing CACP and constituting a National Commission on Agriculture Development & Planning consisting of farmers, agri scientists, economists to make farming viable is a pragmatic step. We have always been saying that CACP doesn't work in an impartial manner and is by and large anti farmer while fixing the MSP. After extensive deliberations, it was decided that farmers should vote for Congress as this party has shown a positive attitude towards farmers. Congress has shown interest to make radical changes in the policy framework, which is the need of the hour. In brief it is a paradigm shift. On the other hand BJP has shown a complete non serious approach towards farmers, as they did during the last 5 years. S. Mann who is National President of BKU and Chairman of the All India Kisan Coordinatin Committee said that the we will vote for Congress and also create extensive awareness among farmers in this regard. Others who were also present Balwant Singh Behramke gen Secretary Punjab, Saraj Singh Sec. Punjab, Harjit Singh Grewal Distt. President Ludhiana, Dharam Chand Distt. President Fazilka, Inderjit Singh Distt. President Sangrur, Kewal Singh Kang Distt. President Pathankot, Balwant Singh Nadiali Distt. President Mohali, Mnohar Singh Kishangarh Distt. President Mansa, Raghubir Chand Block President Jlalabad, Harbans Singh Kishangarh, Gurdev Singh Block President Makhu, Swarn Singh Sidhu Kot Ise Khan, Ramesh Chand, Gurmel Singh, Gurjant Singh, Jarnail Singh, Lakhvir Singh, Gurcharn Singh, Jaswant Singh, Malkit Singh, Balkar Singh Mohali, Baljit Singh, Surjit Singh, Malkit Singh Mohali, Mejor Singh Mohali etc.