Punjab BJP Chief Criticizes CM Mann Over Crop Insurance Scheme
Synopsis
On April 10, Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar condemned CM Bhagwant Mann for not implementing the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, claiming he has neglected farmers' needs by deferring responsibilities to Arvind Kejriwal.
Key Takeaways
Sunil Jakhar criticizes CM Mann for not implementing the PMFBY.
The PMFBY is designed to protect farmers from crop losses.
Farmers in Punjab face challenges without effective insurance coverage.
Jakhar accuses Mann of transferring responsibilities to Kejriwal .
Farmers’ livelihoods are at stake amid political inaction.
Chandigarh, April 10 (NationPress) The President of Punjab BJP, Sunil Jakhar, sharply criticized Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday for failing to implement the Central government's Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana in the state. He accused CM Mann of effectively transferring his duties to AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal.
Funded by the Central government, the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is a comprehensive crop insurance initiative that unites various stakeholders, including farmers, insurance firms, financial institutions, and government bodies, on a unified platform.
In an interview with IANS, Jakhar remarked, "There are still states where the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana has not been put into action. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann declared three years ago that Punjab would not adopt this scheme and would instead create its own state-specific crop insurance program. Now, three years have passed without action."
He claimed that last year, farmers faced significant losses, stating that "approximately 4.5 lakh acres of farmland were affected."
Continuing his criticism of CM Mann, Jakhar asserted, "CM Bhagwant Mann has transferred the responsibilities of his office to AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal."
"What understanding does Kejriwal have of farmers' struggles? The public is aware of this situation," he added.
Jakhar also accused Punjab's elected representatives of having "surrendered" to the AAP leader, asserting, "These individuals, who were elected in a democracy, have yielded to Kejriwal. He shows no concern for the plight of the people of Punjab," he alleged.
Further criticizing CM Mann, Jakhar noted that neither has the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana been implemented nor has any alternative crop insurance plan been introduced.
He stressed that farmers are left in a precarious situation amid these developments.
The Punjab BJP leader emphasized, "Chief Minister Mann seems to forget that this is not a trivial matter. It pertains to the livelihoods of countless farmers. As a Chief Minister, it is his duty to enforce the central scheme. If he chooses not to, he must propose his own plan."
Point of View
Particularly concerning agricultural policies. The lack of a robust crop insurance scheme raises critical questions about the state's commitment to its farmers and its governance under Chief Minister Mann.
NationPress
2 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana?
The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana is a government-backed crop insurance scheme aimed at providing financial support to farmers in the event of crop loss, covering various risks.
Why did Sunil Jakhar criticize CM Mann?
Sunil Jakhar criticized CM Mann for failing to implement the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana in Punjab, accusing him of neglecting farmers' welfare.
What are the implications for farmers in Punjab?
The absence of a crop insurance scheme puts farmers at risk of significant financial losses, exacerbating their struggles during adverse weather conditions.
Who is Arvind Kejriwal?
Arvind Kejriwal is the National Convener of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and a former Chief Minister of Delhi, known for his political activism and governance.
What did CM Mann promise regarding crop insurance?
CM Mann previously stated that Punjab would not implement the PMFBY and would instead develop its own state-level crop insurance scheme.
