Chandigarh-MLA and former Minister of Punjab, Pargat Singh, has strongly criticised the use of water cannons and tear gas shells against farmers marching peacefully in Chandigarh, accusing both the Central and Punjab governments of attempting to suppress the democratic voice of the farming community. In a sharp statement issued on social media, the senior Congress leader said that the treatment meted out to the farmers was unacceptable and reflected the growing pressure being placed on Punjab’s agrarian community.
Pargat Singh stated that despite repeated assurances made during the historic farmers’ agitation, the Central Government led by Narendra Modi has still failed to fulfil its written commitment regarding a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP). He said farmers across the country, especially in Punjab, continue to wait for the implementation of the promises that were made after the year-long protest movement that shook the nation.
The Congress MLA further alleged that sensitive issues related to Punjab’s river waters and the functioning of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) are now being used to weaken Punjab’s rights over its natural resources. According to him, Punjabis are becoming increasingly concerned over attempts to dilute the state’s control over water distribution and related administrative powers. He warned that any move affecting Punjab’s water rights could create widespread resentment among the people of the state.
Targeting the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Pargat Singh claimed that after the farmers’ protest movement, both the BJP-led Centre and the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab appear to be functioning in coordination to curb farmer activism. He alleged that instead of standing firmly with the farming community, the state government was helping to create obstacles for democratic protests.
The remarks come at a time when tensions remain high over several farmer-related issues, including MSP guarantees, land acquisition concerns, and water-sharing disputes. Farmer unions in Punjab have repeatedly warned both the Centre and the state government against ignoring agricultural concerns, maintaining that the farming sector continues to face economic uncertainty despite repeated assurances from political leaders.
Pargat Singh’s statement is expected to further intensify the political debate in Punjab, where opposition parties are increasingly trying to corner both the BJP and the Aam Aadmi Party over issues concerning farmers, federal rights, and Punjab’s resources.