Sukhbir Singh Badal, president of the Shiromani Akali Dal, criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) today for shutting down the state’s 1559 grain markets despite the arrival of paddy in the markets. He demanded that the state government continue the procurement of paddy in the state until November 20. Badal said that despite the sudden arrival of 4.7 metric tons of rice in the markets on Diwali, the demand for a CBI inquiry has been raised.
Sukhbir Singh Badal stated that it is extremely unfortunate that despite the fact that 2.91 lakh metric tons of rice arrived in the markets yesterday, which is 18% more than the same period last year, the government is shutting down the procurement centers. He emphasized that due to delayed harvesting caused by rain, a significant quantity of produce has not reached the markets yet. He stated that farmers who sowed rice in July after their crops were destroyed due to floods have not been able to bring their produce to the market. Therefore, the government should close the procurement centers only after the complete procurement of the produce.
Badal highlighted that on the day of Diwali, 4.7 lakh metric tons of rice suddenly arrived in the state, and he demanded a CBI investigation into the matter. He mentioned that farmers are aware that procurement does not take place on Diwali because procurement officials and temporary markets are not available on this day. Despite this, 4.7 lakh metric tons of produce were purchased on Diwali. He said that it is clear that either the rice has been recycled to earn profits or it has been procured from outside the state. He stated that since this can only be clarified through political protection, the case should be handed over to the CBI by the state vigilance bureau to reveal the truth.
