Opposition Parties in Haryana Criticize Government's Treatment of Farmers Amid Fertilizer Shortage

Concerns Over Fertilizer Shortage and Farmer Treatment

On Tuesday, opposition parties in Haryana, including the Congress and the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), raised serious concerns regarding the treatment of farmers in the state, who are currently facing a shortage of fertilizers. They claimed that officials are treating farmers like 'criminals' by stamping their hands when they come to collect fertilizers.

Congress General Secretary and Rajya Sabha member Randeep Singh Surjewala, along with INLD President Abhay Singh Chautala, criticized the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for exacerbating the situation, stating that such treatment adds insult to injury for struggling farmers.

Statements from Opposition Leaders

Surjewala expressed his dismay in a statement, saying, 'Instead of assisting farmers who are already grappling with a severe fertilizer shortage, the BJP government has initiated a disgraceful practice of stamping farmers' hands as if they are criminals.'

Chautala further claimed that farmers are receiving only two bags of DAP fertilizer in exchange for their Aadhaar cards, which makes them feel like criminals due to the hand stamping.

Previous Criticism from Former Chief Minister

Earlier, former Chief Minister and opposition leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda accused the BJP government of failing to meet public expectations across various sectors. While attending a social event in Karnal, he remarked, 'Farmers are struggling for fair prices for their crops, and the general public is facing security issues.'

Concerns Over Minimum Support Prices

In response to questions, Hooda stated that the BJP government, which claims to provide Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for 24 crops, is now hiding its face. He noted that crops such as paddy, millet, cotton, and moong are being sold at prices ranging from ₹300 to ₹1,200 below the MSP.

He challenged the government, asking which 24 crops in Haryana are actually receiving MSP, asserting that crops reaching the markets are not getting fair prices, and anyone can verify this by visiting the markets.

Complexities in Selling and Compensation Processes

Hooda pointed out that the government has made the processes for selling crops and obtaining compensation so complicated that farmers are left confused. He stated, 'Farmers are not receiving fair prices or compensation. However, similar to previous years, there is a rush for fertilizers for the Rabi crop. Reports of police action against farmers and women have emerged from various locations.'

Law and Order Situation in Haryana

Commenting on the law and order situation, Hooda declared that Haryana has become one of the most unsafe states in the country. He cited reports and statistics from the central government to support his claim, stating that organized crime is at an all-time high, with over 80 criminal gangs operating in the state involved in murder, robbery, dacoity, and extortion.