Farmers' Union Announces Motorcycle Rally in Chandigarh on July 13

The Bharatiya Kisan Union (Rajewal) held an important meeting at Gurdwara Manji Sahib, Kotan, under the chairmanship of its National President, Balbir Singh Rajewal. During the meeting, the union decided to organise a major motorcycle rally in Chandigarh on July 13 to protest against issues related to Punjab's water resources and the proposed India-US free trade agreement. Concern Over Punjab's Water Resources During the meeting, participants expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of Punjab's water resources. They stated that water pollution in the state has reached alarming levels, contributing to the spread of serious diseases, including cancer. They also alleged that despite the worsening situation, governments have failed to address the issue and claimed that Punjab's water is being diverted to other states through what they described as unconstitutional actions by the Central Government. Addressing the gathering, Balbir Singh Rajewal said that the second layer of groundwater, which is already polluted, could soon be exhausted. He further claimed that water from the third layer would be unsuitable for both human consumption and agricultural use. He also expressed disappointment that, according to him, political parties in Punjab have remained silent on these issues affecting the public. Opposition to the India-US Trade Agreement Rajewal also opposed the proposed trade agreement between India and the United States. He alleged that the Government of India was preparing to open the Indian market to American products under a trade deal with the United States. Referring to US President Donald Trump, Rajewal claimed that American farmers own thousands of acres of farmland and receive substantial government subsidies. He further stated that nearly 86 percent of farmers in India own less than five acres of land and alleged that instead of providing adequate subsidies, the government fixes lower prices that reduce farmers' earnings. According to Rajewal, Indian farmers would be unable to compete with their American counterparts if such a trade agreement comes into effect. He warned that if the Government of India signs the trade agreement with the United States, farmers' organisations across the country would launch a nationwide blockade the very next day. Demand for Probe Into Alleged Urea Scam Rajewal also referred to an alleged large-scale urea fertiliser scam that the union had recently highlighted in cooperative cattle feed plants operated by Markfed and Milkfed. He said that cases had already been registered regarding alleged irregularities at plants in Bhattian, Ghani Ke Bangar (Batala), Gidderbaha, and Kapurthala. He further alleged that similar irregularities were taking place in liquor and plywood factories as well, claiming that the alleged urea scam was worth thousands of crores of rupees across the country. Rajewal said the union had requested the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate the matter and that a delegation would soon meet the Union Home Minister to demand a thorough probe by central agencies. The meeting was attended by senior union leaders, including Senior Vice President Baldev Singh Mianpur, Vice President Nek Singh Khokh, General Secretary Parminder Singh Chalaki, Secretary Ghuman Singh Rajgarh, Vice President Sukhwinder Singh Bhattian, Secretary Pramdeep Singh Baidwan, Vice President Kashmir Singh Jatana, General Secretary Hardeep Singh Ghanurki, Manmohan Singh Thind, Gurmeet Singh Kapial, Naginder Singh Babla, Pragat Singh Tarn Taran, District General Secretary Pragat Singh Kot Panaich, Manpreet Singh Sidhu (Ludhiana), Randhir Singh Chakkal, Mohan Singh Fauji, along with district and block presidents and several other office-bearers.