Farmers Movement Archive

‘The issue is far from over though farmers feel safer now’: Satyapal Malik

From Raj Bhawan of Meghalaya, Governor Satyapal Malik, who hails from West UP, had been vociferously opposing the contentious farm laws, repeatedly warning the Union government of their repercussions. In an interview to Hindustan Times’ Sunita Aron, a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi withdrew the laws amid chaos and celebrations, the Governor said the government will have to relent on the farmer’s demand on Minimum Support Price (MSP). Here are the excerpts from the interview. Q: While holding a constitutional position, you have been opposing the government on farms laws? Do you think it’s proper? A: People actually don’t understand constitutional rights and obligations. In no way a constitutional position compels you to seal your lips. Even ex-president Dr Rajendra Prasad, despite holding a constitutional position, opposed Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s Hindu code bill. There are many such instances when Presidents have refused to be a rubber stamp. Thus, there is no restriction even on governors to air their views concerning public welfare. In any way, I was ready to relinquish my post, if so required, to raise a burning issue that harshly impacted the farming community. Q: Are we living in an era of reforms? Then why so much opposition to agriculture reforms when there is also a view that the farm laws would have helped the farmers in the long run? A: No, I come from the same community and fully understand the issues involved. Yeh kisan ki zammen ko hathiyane ka mudda tha ( It was an issue of forcibly capturing the land of farmers). Now, after the withdrawal of farm laws, the farmers will feel safe. Q: Does it seem your voice reached Prime Minister Narendra Modi? A: Yes, I am very thankful to the Prime Minister for taking a decision in the farmer’s interest at an appropriate time. I am equally grateful to farmers, who despite the hardships, kept their year-long agitation peaceful. Q: Finally, the issues are settled, though some farmers are reiterating their demand for legal sanctity to Minimum Support PriceA: The crux of the issue remains unresolved. Legal sanctity to MSP was their main demand and I don’t think farmers would relent or call off their agitation till it is done. Q: MSP was given some time in the late 1960s. Don’t you think some reforms are required over a period of time? A: Despite MSP, farmers still have to do large scale distress selling of their crop. Once MSP is legalized, at least price protection will be guaranteed. Q: You have been in touch with people in power as well as farmers. Will you again initiate dialogue on MSP? A: No, not immediately. Akalmand ko ishara hi kahi hota hai (hints are enough for intelligent people.) The government will have to eventually concede their demand on MSP also. Q: Did the government have the option to give MSP sanctity instead of back rolling the bills? A: Yes, the government had the option and it also knew nothing short of that would be acceptable to farmers. The farmers will not end their strike till they get MSP. Q: Why did the Prime Minister take one year to withdraw the bills? A: As Gujarat chief minister, Narendra Modi always favoured MSP but after his shift from Gujarat to New Delhi, his views changed. Q: What changed his views? A: I don’t want to define the reasons. Q: Do you think BJP would now harvest votes in the impending elections in UP? A: Yes, to some extent in West UP, as it would temper down the farmer’s anger and animosity against the BJP. In the rest of UP, there are other issues that the party will confront like Hathras, Lakhimpur Khiri violence, et al. Q: Are you planning to return to active politics? A: No, I plan to write books.

Hindustan Times

20-11-2021

India