AAP Highlights Economic Losses in Punjab Amid Highway Blockade
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Synopsis
On February 26, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) emphasized the economic challenges faced by Punjab's industry due to the ongoing highway closure at the Haryana-Punjab border. The party calls for urgent action from both state and central governments to address farmers' demands and mitigate the impact on trade.
Key Takeaways
- Punjab's industry is suffering financial losses due to the highway blockade.
- The BJP government is accused of neglecting the needs of farmers and traders.
- Collaboration between farmer unions and political parties is essential for a solution.
- Unemployment and reduced government revenue are potential outcomes of industrial decline.
- Urgent action is needed from the Haryana government to ensure free movement.
Chandigarh, Feb 26 (NationPress) The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) highlighted the significant losses faced by Punjab’s industry and commerce due to the blockade of the Haryana-Punjab border highway.
The party criticized the BJP-led central government for not only aiming to harm farmers but also jeopardizing the state’s economic activities.
Spokesperson Neel Garg addressed the media, stating that Punjab’s traders and entrepreneurs are incurring severe financial setbacks because of the highway's closure.
“Several representatives approached Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, seeking the highway's reopening,” Garg mentioned. He pointed out that the ongoing protests by Punjab’s farmers at the border have persisted for over a year, yet the BJP government remains unresponsive to their requests.
“The BJP seeks to incite divisions among Punjabis to undermine the farmers’ movement,” he asserted.
Garg urged all farmer unions and political entities to collaboratively devise a solution to this predicament, ensuring the movement remains impactful while minimizing adverse effects on the traders and businesses.
“If Punjab’s industry falters, numerous individuals will face unemployment, and the government will suffer a drastic reduction in revenue, as a significant portion of taxes originates from the industry, which supports state development and public welfare. Our perspective is that if the industry fails, Punjab will not thrive. Thus, we must safeguard both Punjab’s agriculture and commerce,” he stressed.
The spokesperson called on the Haryana government to dismantle the barricades on the highway to facilitate the unimpeded flow of vehicles linked to industry and commerce.
He also urged the central government to address the farmers’ demands promptly, emphasizing that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) when the farm laws were repealed and should now fulfill that commitment. He praised the Punjab government’s decision to reject the draft of the Agriculture Marketing Policy suggested by the central government in the Punjab Assembly.
