Wealth tax will sound death knell for farmers: Badal

Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today called upon the Congress leadership to ensure attendance of all its legislators during the may 3 special session of Assembly to oppose imposition of wealth tax on agriculture land around urban areas.
"This tax will sound a death knell for all farmers and of millions others dependent on agriculture related activities," he said.
The Chief Minister spoke to Leader of Opposition Sunil Jakhar and former Chief Minister Rajinder Kaur Bathal over phone, urging them to join the state government's efforts to save farmers and the economy from "certain death".
PCC president Partap Singh Bajwa could not be contacted immediately because of his engagements in Parliament, an official spokesman said here.

The Chief Minister has written separate letters to top Congress leaders in the state requesting their cooperation against imposition of wealth tax on agriculture land in any form.
Badal urged upon the Congress leaders to also oppose the tax in Parliament.

"This is no time for political oneupmanship. Future generations will not forgive us if we are found lacking in commitment to the welfare of our people.
I am sure the Congress party will not stand in the way of justice for the poor who are going to be directly hit by the wealth tax move," Badal told PCC leaders.

Far from being an issue fit for scoring political brownie points, wealth tax on agriculture land has become a question of life and death for farmers of the state, he said.