OPPN LEADERS MEET PRESIDENT, URGE REPEAL OF FARM LAWS
Says the laws passed undemocratically and threaten food security
NEW DELHI: A delegation of opposition party, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar and Left leaders, on Wednesday met President Ram Nath Kovind seeking repeal of the three farm laws against which thousands of farmers have been protesting on various borders of the national capital.
“We met the President and informed him of our view regarding the three farm laws. We have asked for their repeal. We informed the President that it is critical that they are taken back,” Gandhi told reporters after meeting the President.
He said the way the farm laws were passed in Parliament, “we feel it was an insult to farmers and that is why they are protesting in the cold weather against them”.
NEW DELHI: A delegation of opposition parties including Rahul Gandhi, Sharad Pawar and Left leaders on Wednesday met President Ram Nath Kovind seeking repeal of the three farm laws against which thousands of farmers have been protesting on various borders of the national capital.
The recent reforms in the antiquated farm sector allow businesses to freely trade farm produce outside the government-controlled mandi system, permit private traders to stockpile large quantities of essential commodities for future sales and lay down new rules for contract farming.
Farmers fear the reforms could pave the way for the government to stop buying staples at federally fixed minimum support prices (MSPs), erode their bargaining power and leave them at the mercy of private buyers.
The five-member delegation of opposition leaders included CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury, CPI general secretary D Raja and DMK leader TKS Elangovan, besides Gandhi and Pawar.
“We met the President and informed him of our view regarding the three farm laws. We have asked for their repeal. We informed the President that it is critical that they are taken back,” Gandhi told reporters after meeting the President.
He said the way the farm laws were passed in Parliament, “we feel it was an insult to farmers and that is why they are protesting in the cold weather against them”.
The former Congress chief said the new laws appeared aimed at handing over the farming sector to the “friends of the prime minister”, but the farmers are fearless and would not back off and will continue with their peaceful agitation.
NCP leader Pawar said: “There was a request from all opposition parties for in-depth discussion of farm bills and that it should be sent to select committee, but unfortunately, no suggestion was accepted and bills were passed in hurry.” “In this cold, the farmers are on the streets protesting peacefully, expressing their unhappiness. It is the duty of the government to resolve this issue,” said Pawar.
Sitaram Yechury, CPI(M), said the parties have given a memorandum to the President.
“More than 25 opposition parties have extended their support towards the demand of withdrawing the three laws. These laws are not in India’s interests & also threatens our food security.”
“We told President that the three farm laws were passed undemocratically in Parliament and have sought the repeal of these laws,” he added.
The opposition delegation was limited to five because of the Covid-19 situation.
Meanwhile, as the talks with government’s offer to amend farm laws fail, the farmers remained firm on the demand for for a repeal of the legislations. “All three farm laws should be repealed. This is our demand,” said Kanwalpreet Singh Pannu, Kisan Sangharsh Committee, Punjab at Singhu border.
Farmers have also announced nationwide strike on December 14. On 14th December, BJP offices will be gheraoed, protest demonstrations will be held in many parts of the country. We are also giving a call to farmers from other parts of the country to reach Delhi, said farmer leaders.