Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann addressed the media on the ongoing agitation by farmers at the Khanauri and Shambu borders of Punjab and Haryana. He stated that all the demands of the protesting farmers concern the Central Government alone. Several rounds of meetings were previously held between Union ministers and farmer leaders, in which he also participated.
Referring to Jagjeet Singh Dallewal's fast unto death, Mann criticized the Centre for its unwillingness to hold talks with farmers. He assured Dallewal of all possible support from the Punjab government, emphasizing that the protest is taking place in the state's territory.
Mann alleged that the Central Government might reintroduce the repealed farm laws in another form. He urged Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar to address the farmers' demands promptly, given Madhya Pradesh's agrarian background.
Criticizing the BJP-led Haryana government for firing tear gas shells at farmers and the BJP-led Central Government for ignoring their demands, Mann accused them of unfairly targeting the Punjab government, which is not involved in the farmers' demands.
He appealed to the Centre to hold immediate talks with the farmers and abandon its stubborn stance. Mann also assured that the Punjab government would not implement new mandi-related laws.
Commenting on the recent Punjab Bandh called by farmers, Mann said it caused unnecessary harassment to the public and resulted in a loss of nearly ₹100 crore in a single day.