Chandigarh: Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar on Tuesday accused the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government of undermining democracy by rejecting nomination papers of BJP candidates in large numbers during the ongoing local body elections in the state.
Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh, Jakhar said the BJP would move court against the rejection of nomination papers and would not allow the AAP government to loot the elections through unfair means. He alleged that the Punjab government had selectively targeted BJP candidates by rejecting their nomination papers in constituencies where the party was in a strong position.
Jakhar detailed that nomination papers of 21 BJP candidates were rejected in Batala, 10 in Moga, 11 in Barnala, and three in Dhuri. These nomination papers have been rejected without any concrete grounds, he alleged.
The Punjab BJP chief alleged that the Bhagwant Mann government was following the same saam, daam, dand, bhed political strategy earlier referred to by AAP leader Manish Sisodia. He also accused government officials of acting as political agents instead of ensuring free and fair elections.
The BJP is collecting details of officers involved in these actions and will strongly oppose this misuse of government machinery, said Jakhar. He also cautioned Chief Minister Mann against disregarding democratic norms and traditions.
Referring to the underground electricity cable project being inaugurated by the CM, Jakhar demanded an investigation into the project's tendering process. He alleged that the tender was approved during the tenure of a former power minister who is currently jailed on corruption charges.
The senior BJP representative also claimed that several corruption-related matters linked to the government would eventually come to light. The CLU (change of land use) cases around Chandigarh are already under the radar of investigative agencies, he added.
Fertiliser Subsidy for Farmers
Pointing to the fertiliser subsidy provided by the BJP-led central government, Jakhar said international prices of DAP and urea fertilisers surged sharply due to the Gulf conflict. Despite this, the Centre remained committed to ensuring an uninterrupted fertiliser supply to farmers. He stated that India is importing urea at nearly Rs 100 per kilogram, while farmers are receiving it at only Rs 6 per kilogram.
Jakhar added that the Modi government was providing Rs 4,250 subsidy on each bag of urea and Rs 3,200 subsidy per bag on DAP. He said Punjab annually consumes 6.88 crore bags of urea and 1.60 crore bags of DAP. Based on current subsidy rates, Jakhar estimated that Punjab farmers will receive nearly Rs 32,000 crore in fertiliser subsidies this year alone. He added that wheat-paddy farmers were effectively receiving fertiliser support worth around Rs 42,000 per acre.
Jakhar reiterated that the Government of India would ensure there was no shortage of fertilisers. He urged farmers to use fertilisers judiciously and according to agricultural university recommendations to reduce wastage and preserve soil health.
Fuel Price Rise
Responding to another question, Jakhar criticised the misinformation being spread regarding petroleum prices. He claimed that fuel prices had risen only 3% in India compared to 42% in Pakistan, 39.5% in Nepal, 35% in the United States, 40% in the UAE, and 33% in Sri Lanka.
