Farmer leaders accuse Punjab CM Mann of walking out midway from meeting, talks remain inconclusive
PTC Web Desk: The much-anticipated meeting between Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and leaders of the SKM regarding farmers' demands ended inconclusively on Monday, with no agreement reached. The meeting, instead of yielding solutions, escalated tensions as farmers' leaders accused CM Mann of walking out midway and allegedly attempting to intimidate them.
Following the failed talks, SKM leaders, including Joginder Singh Ugrahan and Balbir Singh Rajewal, expressed strong dissatisfaction. According to them, this was the first time in Punjab's history that a Chief Minister had directly attempted to threaten farmers during discussions.
"We have seen several governments, including those of Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal, but no Chief Minister has ever tried to intimidate farmers like this," said an agitated Rajewal. The leaders further alleged that CM Mann abruptly left the meeting, citing an eye infection, despite earlier assuring them that he had ample time for discussions.
According to the SKM, CM Mann agreed to one demand—advancing the procurement of paddy to June 1. However, on other key issues, he reportedly tried to evade commitments. The farmers’ leaders claimed that the Chief Minister got visibly frustrated when they insisted on their demands and bluntly told them, “Do whatever you want on June 5.”
Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian was also present at the meeting, but has not issued any statement regarding the discussion.
The farmer leaders accused CM Mann of employing delaying tactics and failing to address their concerns effectively. They alleged that instead of offering solutions, the Punjab Government was trying to suppress their movement.
SKM leaders have vowed to continue their agitation, setting the stage for further protests in Punjab.
- PTC NEWS
