Punjab Farm Fires Spark Political Debate Ahead of Diwali

Punjab witnessed a series of farm fires last week, affecting several hectares of crops across the state. The incidents, which began in early October, were reported by local authorities and confirmed by satellite imagery.\n\nThe fires have drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, who accuse the ruling government of inadequate fire‑fighting resources and delayed response. They argue that the lack of timely action has exacerbated the damage to farmers’ livelihoods.\n\nIn response, the state government has pledged to deploy additional firefighting equipment and to conduct an inquiry into the causes of the blaze. Officials also announced a compensation package for affected farmers and a review of agricultural safety protocols.\n\nThe controversy comes as Punjab prepares for the Diwali season, with political leaders using the incident to highlight broader issues of agricultural security and governance. The debate is expected to intensify in the coming days as more details emerge.