As farmers' protest entered 6th day in several states, Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal today blamed the Congress' 70-years "misrule" for the current plight of farmers and described the party as "pot calling the kettle black".
Farmers in several states including Punjab and Haryana have launched a 10-day agitation to press their demands, including loan waiver and right price for crops. They are dumping vegetables, milk and other farm produce on roads and blocking supplies to cities in several states.
"The current plight of farmers was mainly due to 70-years of misrule by the Congress party," said the food processing minister, who is also a leader of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD).
"They looted the nation and created policy paralysis. They are now fine talking about farmers. As far as Congress pointing out fingers to say anything is concerned, it is pot calling the kettle black," she told media while highlighting the government's 4-year achievements in the food processing sector.
Before talking about transforming the entire country, the Congress chief should first visit Punjab where five farmers are committing suicide every day, Badal said. The poll promises made to farmers were not fulfilled, she said.
"Before heading to transform the nation, please change small state Punjab so that people have some confidence that you can make a difference," she said adding that Congress should look within before levelling allegations.
SAD is an ally of the ruling NDA. Punjab is ruled by the Congress.
Stating that food processing sector has grown significantly during the four-year NDA rule, Badal said it is all set to become the most robust sector in India to contribute in a big way to the country's growth and double farmers' income by 2022.
In the previous regime, the food processing sector was totally disorganised and the industry was apprehensive of launching new projects or products and committed projects were being delayed and shelved.
"After four years, we have reversed the business environment and turned it into the most buoyant and happening sector," she said.
(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)