Farmer leader Gurbachan Singh Chhaba criticises Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, accuses him of 'instigating' people

NEW DELHI: In response to farmers' protests against the Punjab government, Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee leader Gurbachan Singh Chhaba severely criticised Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday, alleging that he was provoking people.
Chhaba expressed disapproval of CM Mann's behaviour during Tuesday's meeting, noting that it was unprecedented for a chief minister to abandon a meeting midway through discussions.
In his statement, Gurbachan Singh Chhaba said, "Bhagwant Mann government in Punjab left the meeting with farmers. We have seen such a CM for the first time, someone who leaves a meeting with farmers midway. someone who gets the houses of farmer leaders raided, detained them at their houses and detained some others at police stations and got them arrested."

Chhaba further alleged that CM Mann and his administration were acting against farmers' interests whilst aligning with the central government.
The committee leader affirmed their commitment to continue demonstrations until their demands receive attention.
He stated, "Bhagwant Mann government is playing into the hands of Centre to violate the human rights of farmers. People will never accept this. We will burn the effigy of Bhagwant Mann. We will demand that farmers be allowed to protest and their demand be met. Our demands are not unlawful. We condemn this government. Our protest is always peaceful. Bhagwant Mann is instigating people. This is bad."
Farmers assembled at Amritsar's Golden Gate to demonstrate against the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government, including burning effigies of the chief minister.

On March 5, Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) called upon Punjab farmers to join the 'Pakka Morcha' at Chandigarh, accusing the Bhagwant Singh Mann government of suppressing farmers' rights to peaceful protest.
Whilst farmers alleged that CM Mann became angry and provocative during their Chandigarh meeting, the chief minister maintained that he terminated the meeting because protesters insisted on continuing their demonstration during discussions.
The chief minister has expressed worry about recurring protests and blockades, noting that "rail roko" and "sadak roko" demonstrations are resulting in substantial economic losses for Punjab.