Former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has criticised the decision to impose a 7 per cent interest rate on crop loans, urging the government to immediately reverse this move.
He pointed out that during the Congress government's tenure, a historic decision was made to reduce the crop loan interest rate from 11 per cent to 4 per cent nationwide.
“This decision was taken on the recommendation of the committee of Chief Ministers headed by me. Also, in Haryana, our government had completely abolished the interest on crop loan and made it zero, but now BJP has reduced it to 7%, which is a direct loot of the farmers,” he said.
Responding to questions of journalists at his residence, Hooda said despite having government in both the state and the center, BJP could not get water for Haryana. “BJP's double engine government has double-cheated the public. This time there was neither shortage of water in Bhakra nor Haryana had demanded additional water,” he said.
“Haryana is demanding its share of water, but due to BJP's refusal, it could not get even that. Despite repeated demands, BJP did not ensure proper participation Haryana in Bhakra Beas Management Board by appointing officials from the state. Now since Haryana is sure to get water from May 21, therefore, the government was busy passing time by making baseless statements from March 15 till now,” he added.
“That is why Congress demands that a special session of the Assembly should be called to discuss this issue. It should be clear who is responsible for the harm to Haryana and an all-party delegation should also be made to meet the Prime Minister,” he demanded.
Hooda also reacted to the arrests made on charges of spying for Pakistan. He said this is a serious matter related to the security of the country. “The government should investigate the entire matter thoroughly so that the innocent is not caught and the guilty is not spared. Also, a special session of the Parliament should be called for a detailed discussion on the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor,” he said.
On the increasing crime, Hooda said the people in the state are feeling insecure. It seems that there is no such thing as a government here. Criminals are committing crimes without any fear, he said.
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