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Agriculture
Surge in Punjab Farm Fires Sparks BJP‑AAP Political Clash
✍️ Hindustan Times
🗓 10 Nov 2026, 06:33 AM
👁 21
A sharp rise in farm fires across Punjab has ignited a political dispute between the ruling BJP and the AAP, with both parties blaming each other over the handling of the crisis.
Punjab has witnessed a noticeable increase in farm fires in recent weeks, prompting concerns among farmers and authorities alike. State officials reported that the number of incidents has risen sharply compared to the same period last year, though exact figures were not disclosed.
The escalation has quickly become a political flashpoint, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accusing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of neglecting preventive measures, while AAP officials have countered that the BJP's policies on crop residue management are to blame.
Both parties have called for urgent action, urging the agriculture department to deploy additional resources and enforce stricter penalties for illegal burning. Meanwhile, local farmers have expressed frustration over the health hazards and loss of crops caused by the fires.
The state government has announced a review of existing fire‑prevention guidelines and promised to coordinate with neighboring states to address the issue comprehensively.
The escalation has quickly become a political flashpoint, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accusing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of neglecting preventive measures, while AAP officials have countered that the BJP's policies on crop residue management are to blame.
Both parties have called for urgent action, urging the agriculture department to deploy additional resources and enforce stricter penalties for illegal burning. Meanwhile, local farmers have expressed frustration over the health hazards and loss of crops caused by the fires.
The state government has announced a review of existing fire‑prevention guidelines and promised to coordinate with neighboring states to address the issue comprehensively.