Farmers Movement Archive

Punjab CM appeals to all parties to fight against farm bills, says ready to lead battle

CHANDIGARH: Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh on Thursday appealed to all political parties to rise above petty considerations and come on one platform to fight against the treacherous agriculture bills that would destroy the farmers of Punjab. Amarinder said he was committed to protecting the rights of the farmers at all costs, adding that he was ready to lead the political fight against the unconstitutional anti-farmer bills with all his might. “I will do what it takes to save my farmers and my state from these dangerous new laws, whose implementation will cripple the farming sector and also destroy Punjab’s lifeline,” he added. He said the Congress had always stood by the farmers and will fight with them, shoulder to shoulder, to scuttle the Centre’s plans to ruin agriculture. The BJP-led Union government has stooped to a new low by bringing these bills, and that too in a totally undemocratic and unparliamentary manner, he said. Criticising the Akalis for trying to change the narrative through their concerted and deliberate efforts to transform the fight into a local political clash for their vested interests, he said they have reduced SAD from a political force into a puppet of the BJP. Ridiculing SAD chief Sukhbir Badal’s latest statement that Akali Dal can make any sacrifice for farmers, Amarinder said, “What are you still doing in the anti-farmer NDA government at the Centre?” He also has appealed to the farmers to maintain law and order and adhere to all Covid-19 safety protocols during Friday’s bandh. He said while the state government was with the farmers in their fight against the bills and no FIRs would be registered for violation of Section 144, there should be no disturbance of the law and order during the bandh. He also urged the farmers and other organisations supporting the protest to maintain social distancing and wear masks at all times. “The state is already in the midst of a surge in Covid cases and any violation of precautionary norms could lead to the situation spiralling out of control,” he said.

The Times of India

2020-09-25

Chandigarh