Punjab's economy suffers due to farmer protests and blockades

In Punjab, opposition parties are criticizing the state government over its response to ongoing farmer protests. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is defending its actions while the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accuse them of failing to support farmers' rights. Sukhbir Singh Badal, a former deputy chief minister, expressed concerns about the government calling farmer leaders for talks and then using force against them. He said AAP has not kept its promise to resolve farmers' issues and is acting under Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's directives, which he claimed has worsened the situation. He also pointed out the rise of crime and drug problems in the state. BJP’s Punjab president, Sunil Jakhar, described AAP's actions as a conspiracy against farmers. He criticized Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for allowing economic damage while farmers protested, stating that AAP used farmers' issues for their political gain in previous elections. Partap Singh Bajwa, leader of the opposition, condemned the Punjab police for detaining farmer leaders, calling it a cowardly move. Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Punjab Congress chief, accused both AAP and the BJP of betraying the farmers. In response, AAP leaders Raj Kumar Chabbewal and Malvinder Singh Kang criticized the Congress for its past neglect of farmers' needs. They noted that Congress did not implement important recommendations to help farmers during its long tenure in power. Tarunpreet Singh Sondh, a cabinet minister, questioned the effectiveness of the farmer unions' protests, especially the blockades that have disrupted highways. He urged farmers to consider the economic impact of their actions on Punjab. Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated that the ongoing protests have significantly harmed the state's trade over the past year.