Aam Aadmi Party leader Anurag Dhanda has criticised news agency ANI over its coverage of stubble burning in Punjab, alleging that the agency’s reporting misrepresented the efforts made by farmers to manage crop residue.
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In a post on X, Dhanda tagged ANI editor Smita Prakash and questioned the agency’s handling of a video showing stubble burning. He alleged that footage demonstrating effective stubble management in Punjab was not given due attention, while a separate incident involving a fire was filmed and broadcast.
Anurag Dhanda Questions ANI’s Reporting
Dhanda described the coverage as wrong and an alleged misuse of media influence. He claimed that ANI’s own video showed examples of stubble being managed in Punjab, but accused the agency’s team of deliberately arranging a scene in which a fire was started in front of the camera.
These allegations were made by Dhanda in his social media post. The post did not independently establish whether the fire had been deliberately arranged, and the claim would require verification from the agency and other evidence.
AAP Leader Defends Punjab’s Farmers
Dhanda also defended Punjab’s farmers, claiming that stubble burning was no longer taking place in the state and that farmers were instead earning money by selling crop residue.
His remarks highlighted the wider debate over stubble management, air pollution and the portrayal of farmers during the crop-residue burning season. Agricultural residue can be managed through different methods, including its collection and use for other purposes.
The issue remains significant for Punjab’s farming community, particularly during the paddy harvesting season, when the handling of crop residue is closely linked to concerns about air quality across northern India.
