Farmers Movement Archive

Create force in districts to counter stir: ‘Khattar clip’ sparks row

CHANDIGARH: A viral video purportedly of Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar telling BJP workers to create a force of 1,000 men in every district to counter the ongoing farmers’ stir has triggered a fresh row, with opposition Congress and the farm outfits describing the clip as “very objectionable and provoking”. In the video, whose authenticity could not be verified, Khattar is addressing the office-bearers of the Haryana unit of BJP’s Kisan Morcha at his residence here on Sunday. “Some new farmers’ organisations which are emerging need to be encouraged. If we have at least 1,000 volunteers in north-western districts, you need to take up sticks... don’t worry about bail. You will have the best training and would emerge as senior leaders after spending a few months in jail,” he says in the video. Reacting to the video, AICC general secretary Randeep Surjewala tweeted: “If the CM of the state only talks about breaking up the society and abolishing the law and order system, then law and constitutional rule cannot prevail. BJP’s anti-farmer conspiracy has been busted today. ” In a press statement, BKU (Charuni) chief Gurnam Sigh Charuni said: “Khattar asked BJP workers to prepare a fauj (army) of men, attack the agitating farmers...such a provocative statement from a man sitting on the chief minister’s chair is shameful.” However, officials in the CMO termed the video as a false propaganda by the opposition against the CM. “In fact, this is a doctored video and only that portion which could put the CM and government in a bad light has been shown. Otherwise, the (CM’s) message was to tell workers to be conscious and disciplined and to ensure that they don’t take the law into their hands,” said an official spokesman.

The Times of India

2021-10-04

India