Farmers Movement Archive

‘Punjab govt stood by you, now stand by us in Covid fight’

CHANDIGARH: Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh on Sunday urged Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) not to go ahead with its proposed protest in Patiala, saying that it could turn into a super-spreader for Covid-19. Amarinder added the group’s action was unwarranted, considering the total support the state government had extended to agitating farmers all these months on the issue of the Centre’s three farm laws. “It is time for farmers now to reciprocate by supporting the state government in the fight against the pandemic,” he said, adding that just as the farmers’ interests were inexorably linked with that of Punjab, so was Punjab’s interest dependent on the farmers’ support to his government in the battle against Covid. Refuting the allegations of Punjab government’s failure to effectively tackle the Covid pandemic, Amarinder said his government fought hard to prevent the state going the way of some other states, such as Delhi, Maharashtra and even Uttar Pradesh, where bodies floating in the Ganga river had exposed mismanagement by the BJP-ruled state. He underlined that any event, such as the proposed three-day dharna of the BKU (Ekta Ugrahan) in Patiala, had the potential to negate the gains made by his government in tackling Covid in the state. He also urged the group not to act irresponsibly and jeopardise the lives of their own people, especially when there was a ban on all gatherings and any violation would be highly detrimental to the interests of Punjab and its people. He pointed out that there were no widespread shortages of oxygen in hospitals despite shortfall in supply, as the state government had ensured judicious management of the critical commodity. Amarinder claimed that even availability of medications and beds had been continuously ramped up to keep pace with spiralling cases. This, he pointed out, was in sharp contrast to states like Delhi, Maharashtra and UP, among others. The only serious problem being faced by Punjab was the shortage of vaccines, which was not due to any mismanagement of the state government but that of the central government, he added. The chief minister said because of the concerted efforts of the state government, the number of Covid cases had come down, but there was no scope for any laxity in Covid-appropriate behaviour at the moment, and rallies or dharnas of any kind were unacceptable.

The Times of India

2021-05-24

Chandigarh