Water Cannons and Protests: AAP vs. BJP in Punjab

AAP's Punjab unit held a protest against the BJP, criticizing the slow lifting of paddy. Police used water cannons to stop them. The issue stems from allegations that the Centre is penalizing farmers for their past protests. Rice millers also face challenges due to storage constraints.

The standoff in Punjab between AAP's state unit and the BJP escalated on Wednesday as AAP leaders and workers attempted to march toward the BJP state office, only to be met with police water cannons. This protest was sparked by accusations of the Centre's slow paddy lifting process.

Amid the protest, leaders like Punjab minister Harjot Singh Bains expressed frustrations over what they see as BJP's vendetta against farmers, lingering from their opposition to the now-repealed farm laws. The state claims a deliberate slowdown in grain evacuation, which complicates storage for fresh produce.

Rice millers have joined the chorus of discontent, citing the detrimental out-turn ratio of specific rice varieties impacting their operations. As storage issues persist, AAP has called on the Punjab Governor to urge the Centre for prompt action, highlighting the pressing need for space to accommodate new harvests.

(With inputs from agencies.)