Punjab turning into 'state of dharnas', says CM Bhagwant Mann as he slams farmer bodies

Bhagwant Mann

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday lashed out at farmer bodies for resorting to protests every other day and accused them of turning Punjab into a "state of dharnas" and causing a huge loss to it.

He also alleged that they are trying to run a "parallel government" by promising to "resolve" issues of villagers.

Mann denouncing farmer organisations came a day after talks between the Punjab government and Samyukta Kisam Morcha leaders to discuss farmers' demands broke down midway on Monday. Farmer leaders claimed that a "livid" Mann "walked out of the meeting in a huff without any provocation".

Speaking to reporters in Mohali, Mann said farmer bodies should not remain under the impression that he could not take action.

His statement came after the SKM leaders claimed that many of their leaders were "detained" ahead of their planned protest in Chandigarh on March 5.

Replying to a question on his meeting with farmer leaders, Mann said, "I told them yesterday that you every day hold rail roko, block roads... It causes a huge economic loss to Punjab and Punjab is becoming a state of dharnas." "My leniency should not be considered that I cannot take action," he said.

To a question on "detention" of farmers, Mann said, "We will do it. Punjab will function. I am the custodian of three crore people and I have to see all of them." "Sometimes they stop trains, block roads, stop NHAI projects. They (some farmer leaders) now hold 'dharnas' outside immigration offices.

"They are now into resolving a dispute between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. Is this parallel government running," he asked. The CM cited an example of an online marketplace to stress his claim that Punjab is becoming a "state of dharnas".