The farmers, hailing from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, have been protesting since February 13, demanding the implementation of the Swaminathan report and legislation for the minimum support price (MSP) and procurement prices, among other issues. Their agitation has led to disruptions in fuel supply chains, causing widespread concern among the general public.

The situation escalated on February 22 when petroleum dealers across Punjab announced a statewide shutdown of petrol pumps and fuel stations. This move was in response to their demand for an increase in commission. The announcement prompted panic buying, with long queues forming outside fuel stations in cities like Ludhiana. Additionally, the dealers decided not to purchase fuel from oil companies on February 15, further exacerbating the fuel shortage.

The fuel crisis has had a profound impact on daily life in Punjab. Transportation, agriculture, and other sectors heavily reliant on fuel have been severely affected. The general public is facing difficulties in accessing fuel for their vehicles and essential needs, leading to frustration and inconvenience.

The Punjab government has taken note of the situation and is working to address the crisis. Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi has assured that the government is in touch with oil companies and is exploring all possible solutions to resolve the issue. He has also urged the central government to intervene and provide relief to the people of Punjab.

In the meantime, the farmers’ protest continues, with no immediate resolution in sight. The standoff between the farmers and the government has led to a stalemate, with both sides unwilling to back down. As a result, the fuel crisis in Punjab is likely to persist until a mutually acceptable solution is reached.

The ongoing fuel crisis in Punjab serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of various issues in the country. The farmers’ protest, which began as a demand for fair prices for their produce, has now evolved into a broader movement that is impacting multiple sectors, including fuel supply. As the standoff continues, it is imperative for all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue and find a way forward that addresses the concerns of all parties involved.

BY – KASHISH JAIN

The announcement comes just a day after Purohit’s meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi. The resignation follows the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) sweeping victory in the Chandigarh mayoral polls, securing all three posts, dealing a blow to the Congress-Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) alliance. Despite the BJP’s success, the opposition raised concerns about ballot paper tampering.

On Wednesday, the Punjab and Haryana High Court denied interim relief to the AAP, which had sought fresh polls under the supervision of a retired judge. In response, the Supreme Court agreed to consider an AAP councilor’s request for an urgent hearing challenging the high court order.

Banwarilal Purohit had previously clashed with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over various issues. The political landscape in Punjab remains tense, with ongoing legal battles and allegations of electoral malpractice adding to the uncertainty. Purohit’s resignation adds a new dimension to the evolving political scenario in the region.This discord traces back to last August when Governor Purohit warned Chief Minister Mann in a letter, stating that he might recommend President’s rule in the state and initiate criminal proceedings if his letters were not addressed. In his most recent communication to Mann, Purohit expressed frustration over the lack of responses to his previous letters and warned of reporting the “failure of constitutional mechanisms” to the President.

In response, Chief Minister Mann accused the Governor of threatening the peace-loving people of the state. Mann emphasized that law and order were under control, brushing aside the Governor’s concerns. The resignation of Governor Purohit adds another layer of complexity to the already strained relationship between the state government and the central authority.