The leader of opposition Sukhpal Singh Khaira on Saturday said that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) with the support of NRI’ s adopted 75 families of farmers who have committed suicide because of farm debt, for Rs 2,500 monthly financial assistance.

Addressing the press conference in Jalandhar, Khaira said that 7 families were given Rs 50,000 each as one-time help and 20 families have been adopted on Saturday for a monthly pension of 2,500 for next 5 years. The financial help was provided under 'Peedit Kisan- Khet Mazdoor Bachao Muhim' with the help of NRI Punjabis and local donors.

“As many as 55 families of suicide victims were adopted by NRIs in Bathinda and Mansa area in August, where the effected families were provided monetary help,” Khaira said.

Khaira said that chief minister (CM) Capt Amarinder Singh had categorically assured to waive off the total debt of farmers before elections. But after coming to power, he is now shying away from fulfilling his manifesto promise.

“The farmers must question Congress leaders about the bogus promises made to them when they come for the Gurdaspur bypoll campaign.” said Khaira.

Khaira asked if a case of abetment to suicide can be registered against a commission agent on the basis of a suicide note, then why is the same yardstick not being applied to the CM, as two farmers have recently held the chief minister responsible for their suicides in their notes left behind.

While asking people to teach a lesson in coming Gurdaspur bypolls, he said that Congress and SAD leaders will come to your doors to seek votes again but you should ask for your rights and seek answer for the government’s failure in protecting the farmers’ rights.He said that in the state’s annual budget, a minimal amount of Rs 1,500 crores was allotted against the debt of Rs 1 lakh crore.

“It is a joke for the farmers who are left to the God’s mercy and are forced to commit suicide. In last 6 months of Amarinder’s government, about 250 farmers have committed suicide.” Khaira said. He also supported the agitation by farmer organisations against the government starting from September 22.