AAP distributes forms promising to waive off Punjab farmers' loans

Amritsar (Punjab) [India], Oct. 21 (ANI): Attempting to woo the farmers of Punjab ahead of next year's assembly polls, the Arvind Kejriwal led-Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has been distributing forms declaring that it would waive off the farmers' loans after coming to power in the state. This is a direct move aimed at reaching out to the voters and luring them to cast their votes in the AAP's favour. From the past one week, such forms of assurance are being circulated door to door by AAP's Punjab affairs in-charge Sanjay Singh. When asked if this was an attempt to lure the voters, Singh said, "We promised in our manifesto to waive off the loans of farmers and this is a move to help the farmers, who commit suicide due to loan and is not a stunt." Last month, Kejriwal released the party's 31-point farmers' manifesto promising several benefits, which included the loan waive off scheme. He promised to implement the 'Sir Chotu Ram Act' in the state and put an end to farmers' suicides by December 2018. Beside this, he also promised proper price for crops, making up for crop loss, free medical facilities to farmers etc. Kejriwal also announced to raise the old age pension from Rs.500 to Rs.2000 per month and payment of Rs.20000 per acre compensation for the damage of crops due to drought, floods, pest attack and unseasonal rains. (ANI)