GAUTAM DHEER: How has Punjab been hit by any of the Central measures?

Ministers at the Centre tend to ensure that their own constituencies benefit from their position. When Lalu Yadav was Railways Minister, he started a large number of trains for Bihar. Punjab has been neglected by the Centre for years. It was the Congress that planned the reorganisation of states. It was felt that people with one culture and language should be together. While Punjab’s case was the strongest, its demand was refused. Later when the state was re-organised in 1966, it was not allowed to retain its capital city unlike other similar cases where the parent state was allowed to retain its capital. The treatment given to us is not the same as other states. This is why there have been numerous agitations in the state. Punjab has been a front-runner in defence, food production and the Independence struggle. We should have been given special treatment.

CHARANJIT AHUJA: Punjab is considered the food basket of the country. But over the years, there have been problems. Have you demanded an increase in compensation

per acre?

Shortage of food was a major problem facing the country. Punjab and Haryana solved it. But while the country progressed, Punjab suffered. The expenditure on inputs has increased. The returns have gone down and we are not being compensated. When it comes to industry, the neighbouring states have been given numerous concessions. We are in no position to compete with them.

... contd.