Date:19/10/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/10/19/stories/2006101913400400.htm

Other States - Punjab

Centre refusing to help Punjab farmers: BJP

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab BJP on Wednesday alleged that the Centre was ``refusing'' to help farmers of the State in their time of crisis even as it has been generously providing aid to farmers of Vidharaba region and other States.

In a press statement here, party's National Secretary Harjit Singh Grewal claimed that in a letter to Punjab Chief Minister, the Union Finance Minister has clearly refused any financial package to Punjab farmers.

He described the attitude of UPA leadership and the Amarinder Singh-led Punjab government as ``indifferent and callous.''

Grewal alleged that the government of Punjab is ``squarely responsible for the failure in its much-touted relief-seeking effort'' and asked ``when farmers in south and central Indian States can enjoy the magnanimity of Union government doles, why is Punjab farmer kept bereft of the aid and financial help from the Centre''.

PTI