Centre’s Letter Exposes AAP Government; Truth Behind MLAs’ Photo-Ops in Mandis Revealed: Brahmpura

Rakesh Nayar
Chohla Sahib/Tarn Taran, April 17
Senior Vice President of Shiromani Akali Dal and former MLA from Khadoor Sahib, Ravinder Singh Brahmpura, launched a sharp political attack on the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab, citing key official documents.
He alleged that while farmers’ crops were lying unattended in mandis, ruling party MLAs were merely conducting photo sessions instead of making proper arrangements, effectively “adding insult to injury” for already distressed farmers.
Brahmpura stated that the ground reality shows the Punjab government initiated paperwork for seeking relaxation in wheat procurement norms much too late. Sharing letters from the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and the Centre on social media, he pointed out that the Punjab government wrote to the Centre on April 9, FCI Punjab forwarded it on April 16, and final approval came only on April 17.
He questioned what assurances ruling MLAs were giving to farmers in mandis when no formal approval for procurement had been granted until April 17. He added that this administrative delay caused significant distress to farmers across Punjab, including Khadoor Sahib.
Referring to recent incidents, he said the strong protests faced by a local MLA in mandis were a direct result of the government’s failure, as leaders were visiting mandis only for publicity without securing approvals.
Making another major revelation, Brahmpura highlighted that while the Centre has approved relaxations in wheat procurement — allowing up to 70% luster loss and 15% shriveled grains — the approval letter clearly states that any financial burden or operational cost arising from these relaxations will be borne entirely by the Punjab government.
He said this letter has “exposed the reality” of the state government and fixed its accountability.
Brahmpura further asserted that now, with everything clearly stated in official documents, the AAP government cannot evade responsibility. He demanded that the Punjab government immediately arrange funds from its own treasury and ensure procurement of farmers’ wheat without any value cut.
Issuing a stern warning, he said that if even a single rupee is deducted from farmers’ payments or if harassment in mandis continues, the Shiromani Akali Dal will stand firmly with farmers and launch strong agitations in defense of their rights.