Independent candidate Jagmeet Singh Jagga (38), who has filed his nomination papers from the Faridkot constituency, has been pitching for poppy cultivation in the state. He is head of Insaaf Team Punjab, an NGO.
Jagga has held two rallies in the past in Muktsar and Ludhiana, raising the demand to legalise the cultivation of poppy in the state, saying that it will save debt-ridden farmers. Besides, he has held some ‘nukkad’ meetings and roadshows in some villages too on this issue.
After filing his papers, Jagga said, “I just want to spread awareness among the residents that there is nothing illegal in raising demand for legalising poppy cultivation. A majority of people fear that if they raise their voice, they may have to face some kind of action. And if I win the election, I will raise the demand in Parliament as well.”
“I am not luring people to start poppy cultivation. I am just saying that the legal channel should be followed and demand should be pressed in a constitutional manner…. I’ll campaign on motorcycle to legalise poppy cultivation in the state.”