Centre ignore Punjab, Favouring Gujarat for trade: MP Dimpa
Zira/Ferozepur, March 5: Former MP from Khadoor Sahib Jasbir Singh Dimpa Gill accused the Modi government of adopting a stepmother attitude towards Punjab, particularly in matters related to farmers and trade.
Addressing a press conference held under the leadership of District Congress President and former MLA Kulbir Singh Zira, Dimpa alleged that the Centre closed trade through the Wagah border after the Pahalgam attack, which earlier facilitated around ₹3,300 crore worth of trade between India and Pakistan. However, he claimed that large-scale trade worth over ₹3.5 lakh crore is continuing through Gujarat via airports linked to corporate houses.
He further said that when it comes to sacrifices for the nation, Punjab is put in the front, but when it comes to economic benefits, Gujarat is given preference. Dimpa also expressed concern over the proposed India–US trade agreement, stating that it could severely affect Indian farmers, especially those in Punjab who are already burdened by debt and rising costs.
MP Dimpa and Kulbir Singh Zira asked AAP to fulfil its promise of giving ₹1,000 monthly allowance to women. They demanded that the government immediately release ₹48,000 arrears for the past four years to every eligible woman in the state.
Several Congress leaders and workers, including Amardeep Singh Ashu Bangar and Gurbhej Singh Tibbi, were also present at the press conference.