Shimla: The apple farmers of Himachal Pradesh has cut the self- styled AIMIM leader from Delhi Shoaib to size and accused him of spreading hatred on social media by urging traders of the particular community to boycott apples of Himachal.
Leading the charge Chetan Bragta, BJP spokesperson, Himachal Pradesh, strongly condemned statements made by AIMIM leader Shoaib Jamai, who recently called on a particular community to boycott apples from Himachal Pradesh. He has put the post to this effect on social media, he alleged.
Jamai's remarks have sparked outrage across the state, with Bragta labeling them as "unfortunate and divisive."
Bragta criticized the boycott call, stating, "The apple industry in Himachal has been built by the hard work of our forefathers, and today it is the backbone of our economy. Our apple growers are resilient and will not be intimidated by such threats."
Addressing the AIMIM leader directly, Bragta said, "Let Shoaib Jamai hear this loud and clear—Himachali apple growers are fully capable of creating their own markets. These are threats from people who have no understanding of the effort it takes to build an industry from the ground up."
He further slammed Jamai for his earlier actions, recalling an incident where Jamai allegedly entered an illegal mosque in Shimla’s Sajauli area and filmed a video. "This is not the first time Jamai has tried to create unrest in Himachal. First, it was his entry into the illegal mosque, and now he’s threatening our apple farmers," said Bragta, urging Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to take legal action against the AIMIM leader.
Bragta also called out the silence of the ruling Congress leadership in Himachal, accusing them of indifference to the threats faced by apple growers.
"A few days ago, during the Jagra festival, our local culture and traditions were attacked, with some labeling those participating as 'Hindu terrorists.', he charged.
Yet, Congress leaders, including our ministers, remained silent. Now, when Owaisi's party threatens our apple growers, they continue to stay quiet," he said.
The BJP leader emphasized that these incidents expose the ruling party’s lack of concern for the well-being of apple farmers and their industry.
"The Congress only shows up during election time with sweet promises, but their inaction speaks volumes about how little they care for the real problems of Himachal's people," Bragta added.
