Chandigarh: AAP govt in Punjab on Wednesday tabled a ‘condemnation resolution’ in Vidhan Sabha, alleging that the BJP-led Centre’s “foreign policy failure” had impacted the country’s energy security.“By tampering with India’s foreign policy to promote a few select corporate houses, Union govt has left India in a precarious position. Today’s foreign policy has raised significant doubts regarding who India can truly call a friend,” the resolution says.Food, civil supplies and consumer affairs minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, who moved the resolution, said reports of LPG shortages are beginning to create panic among consumers, restaurants, dhabas and small traders across Punjab.The minister pointed out that wheat procurement season will begin next month. “There is already a shortage of storage space for food grains in the state. Punjab has repeatedly urged the Centre to expedite movement of pending stocks of rice from the state. It could be further affected if there is an oil crisis,” he said.The minister also flagged a shortage of packaging materials. Due to ongoing instability in Bangladesh, Punjab secured only 3 lakh jute bags of the 5 lakh required for the season. While the Centre suggested bridging the gap with 2 lakh plastic bags, Kataruchak informed the House that these are also in short supply, warning that the upcoming procurement season could turn into a significant struggle for the state.“Due to the Centre’s failed foreign policy and imbalanced energy policy, an energy crisis has emerged across the country. The prevailing situation is not only the result of international circumstances but also the outcome of the weak, inconsistent and directionless foreign policy of the Centre,” said Kataruchak.Supporting the resolution, finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema alleged that the Centre’s “flawed” foreign policy compromised national interests, and even suggested that they were “bartered away to the United States”. Education minister Harjot Singh Bains pointed out shortages in energy and fertiliser sectors.He highlighted that National Fertilizers Limited (NFL) units in Nangal and Bathinda are on the verge of shutting down due to lack of LNG, raising concerns over urea availability. He asked why plants in Punjab are facing such scarcity while the Panipat plant (in Haryana) continues to receive a full supply.The resolution demands that the Centre take emergency steps to restore normal LPG supplies, roll back the increase in prices of domestic and commercial gas cylinders, adopt a clear and transparent energy policy that places India’s national interests at the forefront, and announce immediate relief measures for small traders, the restaurant industry and ordinary consumers affected by the crisisMSID:: 129465057 413 |
