KMSC leader Pandher accepts CM Mann’s debate challenge

Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (KMSC) leader Sarwan Singh Pandher has accepted Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s recent challenge for an open debate, saying farmer unions are more than ready to speak up about the ground-level problems people are facing. Responding strongly, Pandher accused the government of ignoring real issues and failing to deliver on its promises. Pandher’s reaction came after Chief Minister Mann had asked farmer leaders to a public debate, while also accusing some of them of gaining wealth and land through questionable means. In a video message, Pandher agreed to the debate, saying farmer representatives would go to anywhere the Chief Minister chooses. The farmers believe in a democratic dialogue and are prepared to ask tough but fair questions, but doubt whether the government has any real answers. Raising serious concerns, Pandher accused the Mann-led state government of letting down the people of Punjab. He pointed to the Chief Minister’s earlier promise of eradicating drug abuse by March 31, a promise, he said, that remains unfulfilled. Pandher claimed that drugs are available in every village. Referring to a disturbing incident in Bathinda where locals, while fighting against drug dealers, were allegedly attacked and had their legs broken, Pandher said such incidents clearly show that the drug menace has not been eradicated from the state. He blamed the government for allowing drugs to spread in villages and said that instead of cracking down on the problem, the supply seems to have increased. Highlighting the state’s failure to act against the sand mafia, despite bold claims, illegal mining continues unchecked. Pandher criticised the lack of new public transport facilities, saying the number of buses is decreasing rather than increasing. On the agriculture front, he pointed out that the government has not provided a legal guarantee for the minimum support price (MSP) and has done little to free farmers from debt, both major concerns for Punjab’s rural population. Condemning the government’s crackdown on farmers, Pandher called out the use of police force during the Shambhu and Khadouri protests. He demanded the immediate release of all detained farmers, including BKJU Sidhupur leader Kaka Singh Kotla. He warned that if the government continues to follow a repressive path, Punjabis will give a strong and united response. With this fiery response, Pandher has not only accepted the CM’s challenge but has also thrown the spotlight back on the government’s performance or lack of it over the past months.

Amritsar