Pilibhit: BJP leader Hemraj Verma on Tuesday criticized Minister of State for Sugarcane and Sugar Industry Sanjay Singh Gangwar, who is also the MLA from Pilibhit city, over the delay in payment of cane dues to farmers in the district.
Addressing the media, Verma said that four sugar mills in the district still owe farmers around Rs 200 crore. He also targeted the Uttar Pradesh government over the alleged exploitation of farmers, claiming irregularities in the wheat procurement system. He alleged that wheat meeting prescribed standards was not being accepted at government procurement centers.
Verma further alleged that the Amaria police registered a false FIR against a farmer under the Essential Commodities Act on April 25, accusing him of illegal purchase and sale of diesel. “With temperatures soaring, farmers need to irrigate their sugarcane crop. Lalit Verma of village Andarayan had stored diesel for this purpose, but police implicated him in a false case,” he said. He questioned how farmers would carry out agricultural activities if subjected to such action. He warned of protests if the police did not withdraw the FIR.
The BJP leader’s remarks come amid growing discontent among farmers over delayed payments and alleged administrative lapses. The district has four sugar mills, and pending dues have been a persistent issue. Verma’s criticism of his own party’s minister highlights internal dissent within the BJP over farmer-related issues.
Meanwhile, the state government has yet to respond to the allegations. Farmers in Pilibhit have been demanding timely payment of cane dues and better procurement mechanisms for wheat. The false FIR case has also sparked outrage, with farmer unions planning to raise the matter with higher authorities.
Verma’s warning of protests indicates that the issue could escalate if not addressed promptly. The development adds to the challenges facing the Uttar Pradesh government ahead of upcoming elections.
