Congress Leader Hooda Accuses Haryana Government of Orchestrating 'Procurement Scam' Against Farmers
Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led Haryana government on Thursday, accusing it of "orchestrating another scam" in the name of wheat and mustard procurement. Hooda claimed that multiple bureaucratic conditions imposed by the administration are actively discouraging farmers from selling their produce at government markets.
Farmers Trapped in 'Bureaucratic Maze'
During visits to grain markets in Naraingarh and Sadhaura areas spanning Ambala and Yamunanagar districts, Hooda, accompanied by Haryana Congress president Rao Narendra Singh, detailed what he described as a "deliberate bureaucratic maze" created to frustrate agricultural producers. The former chief minister highlighted numerous procedural hurdles including:
- Mandatory portal registration requirements
- Complex gate pass systems
- Biometric verification processes
- Tractor registration documentation
- General verification procedures
- Even requirements for guarantors
"Farmers are being treated like criminals," Hooda asserted. "The government's apparent intent is to entangle them in endless procedures so they can avoid procuring crops altogether. This stands in stark contrast to the Congress regime, during which procurement operations ran smoothly without such artificial barriers."
Compounding Agricultural Distress
The Congress leader emphasized that farmers are already facing severe stress due to unseasonal rains that have damaged standing crops across the region. Hooda urgently called for the government to conduct a special girdawari (crop damage assessment) and provide immediate compensation to affected agriculturists.
Additionally, Hooda demanded a bonus per quintal for farmers, dismissing ministers' claims that recent rainfall would boost crop yields as "detached from ground realities." "Farmers are being crushed between adverse weather conditions and hostile government policies," he declared.
Political Entourage and Cross-Voting Controversy
The political delegation included prominent Congress figures such as Ambala City MLA Nirmal Singh, Ambala MP Varun Chaudhary, Jagadhri MLA Akram Khan, Shahabad MLA Ramkaran Kala, along with numerous district leaders and party workers who joined the market inspections.
When questioned about the recent Rajya Sabha elections, Hooda turned his criticism toward party MLAs who allegedly engaged in cross-voting, stating they had "betrayed both the party and the public mandate." He insisted these legislators should resign on moral grounds, arguing that "MLAs elected to oppose the BJP have fundamentally violated their electoral mandate by cross-voting."
Hooda dismissed attempts to justify such actions through allegations against party leadership as unconvincing excuses that "will not hold water with the public."
Disciplinary Action Promised
Echoing Hooda's firm stance, Haryana Congress president Rao Narendra Singh confirmed that strict disciplinary measures would be implemented against those involved in cross-voting. "I have already forwarded their names with my comprehensive report to the party high command," Singh stated. "Further action will be determined at that level. Those involved cannot escape accountability by resorting to falsehoods and fabricated narratives."
The BJP government has not yet issued any official response to these serious allegations regarding procurement practices or the cross-voting controversy. The situation highlights growing tensions between the opposition and ruling party over agricultural policies and internal party discipline as farmers face mounting challenges during the crucial procurement season.
