Chandigarh, April 9 (NationPress) Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda asserted on Thursday that the BJP-led state government is engaging in widespread scams disguised as crop procurement, as it “keeps imposing new restrictions on farmers to evade its responsibilities in crop procurement.”

“A new scam is unfolding under the pretext of procuring wheat and mustard. Rather than actually acquiring these crops, the government is placing countless irrational conditions on farmers,” the Leader of Opposition stated.

“Conditions like portal registration, gate passes, biometric checks, tractor registration numbers, general verification, and the need for a guarantor are being enforced at will,” he added in a statement.

The Congress leader emphasized that farmers “are being treated like criminals; overall, the government's aim seems to be ensnaring farmers in a bureaucratic labyrinth to avoid procuring their crops entirely. Under Congress leadership, procurement was seamless, and farmers did not encounter such hurdles.”

While speaking with the media in Narayangarh, alongside state party President Rao Narendra Singh, Hooda urged party MLAs who cross-voted to resign on moral grounds. “These MLAs have not only betrayed the party but also the electorate that voted for them to oppose the BJP,” he remarked.

Regarding the cross-voting incident, party chief Narendra emphasized that stringent action would follow against these MLAs. "I have submitted their names and accompanying notes to the party leadership. Further measures will be taken at the high command level," he expressed.

“The Congress presented these candidates to the public, and the electorate, trusting the Congress, secured their victory. If they betray the very party that supported them, the public will undoubtedly hold them accountable. No MLA can escape responsibility through deceit,” he added.

In response to inquiries, two-time Chief Minister Hooda noted his ongoing visits to the ‘mandis’ (agricultural markets) across the state. He has engaged with farmers, laborers, and arhtiyas (commission agents), who informed him about the chaotic conditions in the “mandi.” He has since directed the relevant officials to address these issues.

Hooda stated that the government executed a scam during last year’s paddy procurement season, followed by another during potato procurement, and now similar schemes are evident in the procurement of wheat and mustard.

“The BJP government seeks to capitalize on every opportunity to exploit farmers. This government is fundamentally anti-farmer in every regard,” Hooda concluded.