SHIMLA: The Congress government is summoning apple growers who supplied more than 100 bags to SDM offices while their payments remain pending and several procurement centres are yet to open, BJP leader and Jubbal-Kotkhai candidate Chetan Bragta said.
Meeting the governor earlier, Bragta said growers were being asked to produce Aadhaar, jamabandi, tatima, commission agents’ slips and bank statements, calling the move an attempt to intimidate farmers.
“Is an apple grower a criminal? HPMC accepted the apples last season. Why are farmers now being summoned to SDM offices?” he asked, demanding immediate withdrawal of the notices.
He claimed more than ₹100 crore in MIS payments remain outstanding, even as the apple season has begun.
“The government has time to summon farmers but not to pay them or open procurement centres. Where will growers take their C-grade apples?” Bragta asked.
He demanded a white paper on the notices, including the number of growers who supplied more than 100 bags and how many were served notices.
Bragta said if there were doubts about MIS procurement, the entire procurement chain—not just farmers—must be investigated, including HPMC records, collection centres and transportation.
“This is not charity. It is the grower’s money and his right. If the government continues to intimidate farmers instead of supporting them, the BJP will take the fight to the streets,” he warned.
