Chandigarh, March 20
AAP Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh today appealed to protesting farmers to reconsider their strategy and shift their protests to places where the Central Government would feel the impact. He emphasized that the ongoing border closures are causing immense harm to Punjab’s economy, industries, and residents, while having no effect on the BJP-led Central Government responsible for addressing the farmers’ concerns.
On his X account, the AAP leader said, " We are sons of farmers. Our party & leaders have always stood with farmers. We fought against the central government, standing shoulder to shoulder with farmers. Harming the interests of Punjab & Punjabis was never the cause of farmers protest. Thats why road blockades have been lifted. We will support farmers in their cause of getting justice from central government. We have to save & revive punjab’s economy. Nobody will invest if everything is blocked. All sections of society wanted these blockades to end. Crocodile tears of opposition parties fool nobody. They are the ones who betrayed farmers at every step."
Addressing the media Dr Balbir said, “We have always stood firmly with farmers and will continue to do so. But the current border closures are leading to industries leaving Punjab and causing significant revenue losses for the state." He noted that industries are unable to transport raw materials or export finished goods, leading to disruptions in business operations. NRIs and businesspersons are also facing challenges in commuting due to blocked routes, with many missing flights and meetings. “Even ordinary citizens traveling to their own state capital are struggling,” he added.
Dr. Balbir Singh criticized previous governments for their failure to address Punjab’s economic needs. The Akali-BJP government left Punjab with a debt. He accused Congress leaders of neglecting the farmers’ plight during the agitation and labeled their current protests as hypocritical and opportunistic. “Where were these Congress leaders when bullets, tear gas, and water cannons were being used against farmers?”
Highlighting the AAP government’s efforts, Dr. Balbir Singh stated, “We are actively working to revive Punjab’s economy, promote industrial growth, and provide employment to our youth. The Punjab government has taken decisive action against drug trafficking, offering medical care to those injured during protests and rehabilitating youths trapped in addiction.” He added that the AAP government is committed to creating an environment encouraging industry and investment, ensuring employment opportunities for the people of Punjab.
Dr. Balbir Singh also urged the farmers to unite as they had during the earlier stages of the protest, which saw participation from laborers, employees, and traders. “We stood with you then, and we will stand with you now. But the protests must be directed at the Central Government, not at Punjab. Closing Punjab’s borders has only hurt our state, while the BJP government remains unaffected,” he said.
In his concluding appeal, Dr. Balbir Singh called on the farmers to open one side of the border for the sake of Punjab’s economy and residents. “Let us protest in Delhi and fight for MSP together. Punjab’s people, industries, and NRIs are all suffering due to the current situation. The patience of the people has been tested enough; it’s time to act strategically and responsibly,” he said.