Chandigarh, March 11 – Punjab Education Minister Harjot Bains on Wednesday criticized the BJP-led central government, accusing it of having a “failed foreign policy” that has exacerbated the country's energy crisis.
Speaking during a discussion in the Assembly, the minister expressed concerns over the dwindling stocks of petroleum and LPG, the shutdown of fertilizer plants in the state, and what he described as discrimination in the supply of gas to the state, while demanding that the Centre disclose the actual national reserves of petroleum, LPG, and LNG.
Participating in a discussion on a motion of condemnation moved by Food and Civil Supplies Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, Bains expressed concern over the rapidly depleting stocks of petroleum and LPG across the country.
He pointed out the contradiction between the Centre's claims of self-sufficiency and the actual situation.
He urged the Centre to provide accurate information on the stock levels of petroleum, LPG, and LNG in the country.
“On one hand, their spokespersons claim that we have plenty of petroleum and LPG, while on the other, commercial supplies have been halted. This is not just an administrative lapse; it is the direct result of the BJP government's failed foreign policy,” Bains said, highlighting the dire consequences of this crisis for Punjab, particularly its agrarian economy.
He also expressed displeasure over the shutdown of National Fertilizers Limited (NFL) units in Nangal and Bathinda, warning that the upcoming kharif sowing season is under direct threat.
“The Nangal and Bathinda fertilizer plants are almost shut down. Where will our urea come from? Our kharif crop sowing is due. This is a serious issue that affects the livelihoods of our farmers. While Punjab's plants are starved of gas and shut down, the NFL's Panipat plant continues to receive 100 per cent supply. This is blatant discrimination against Punjab,” he said.
Bains warned that the situation is just the beginning of a much larger problem.
“If left unchecked, the country could soon face a crippling shortage of petrol and diesel. Tomorrow, they will say there is no petrol or diesel. This will not stop at fields. Our hostels will close their messes, our tourism industry will collapse, and it will even impact our armed forces. This issue affects every kitchen in the country,” he added.