Farmers Movement Archive

3 black laws a death warrant for farmers, says Jayant Chaudhary

AGRA: Terming the three farm laws as "death warrant for farmers", Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) vice-president Jayant Chaudhary while addressing a 'kisan mahapanchayat' in Akola block of Agra district on Saturday said that the government is adamant not to withdraw the black laws and this is an “attempt to silence the voice of farmers”. Despite police hurdles, more than 10,000 farmers from different parts of Agra district took part in the 'kisan mahapanchayat' - backed by RLD. Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leaders were also present. “The agitation may have started from Punjab and Haryana, but now it is a nationwide movement. There is a countrywide outrage against the three farm laws. Over 200 farmers laid down their lives for the movement, so far. The government should understand this and withdraw the three laws immediately,” he said. Accusing the Centre of supporting the big corporates, Jayant added that farmers will not go by the Prime Minister’s words on minimum support price (MSP). “Farmers want a legal framework for the MSP and withdrawal of laws. We will not settle for anything less." On Yogi government lodging cases against him and his supporters, he said that "we are not afraid of such repressive measures". “The more such steps they take, the more united we will be. Legal action and lathicharge on farmers will only make them stronger,” he added. On Thursday, Jayant along with over 6,000 others were booked in Aligarh for "violating prohibitory orders and not following Covid-19 protocol during a public rally". Countering it, Jayant asked, “Prohibitory orders and Covid protocol do not apply to the BJP when they hold public gatherings?" The RLD has been holding a series of public meetings across western Uttar Pradesh in support of the farmers' protests. Jayant is slated to hold a public meeting in Bharatpur on Sunday, in Hathras on February 15 and for the next three days in parts of Mathura district.

The Times of India

2021-02-14

Agra