Farmers Movement Archive

Repeal of farm laws: Worry over Punjab unrest drove decision

NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi's Gurpurab surprise was strongly driven by concern over the fallout of the prolonged agitation in Punjab, a border state where the possibility of fresh disaffection was seen to be a problematic issue that needed an urgent outreach to the Sikh community as the stir showed no signs of a resolution. Read Also'Apology to countrymen': Couldn't convince a section of farmers on agri laws, will repeal all three, says PMIn a decision that took the nation by surprise, PM Modi on Friday offered an apology for being unable to convince a section of farmers about the benefits of the new farm laws and announced that they would be withdrawn in the forthcoming winter session of Parliament.The need to remove what has been a thorn in BJP's side ahead of important state elections, particularly UP, has widely been seen as as a trigger for the announcement, but BJP and government sources stressed that the souring of inter-community relations in Punjab was a stronger reason. The announcement came soon after the Kartarpur Sahib pilgrimage was restored, and Modi remembered Guru Nanak in the two meetings he addressed in UP later in the day. Modi had observed the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur and visited Gurudwara Rakabganj. He has recalled the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh's two sons in his Mann Ki Baat. Read AlsoFarm laws: 'No govt will dare to bring full reforms'Certain provisions of the central farm laws might have been debated fiercely, but the decision to roll back the legislations is seen as a serious setback to farm reforms, which may not now be taken up at the Centre in a comprehensive manner in near future fearing a backlash.Sources said this will not be the first time Modi has repositioned in view of a developing situation, having removed the national population register from the government's programme during a poll rally in Delhi in 2020 or, on a lesser scale, sidestepping the net-zero trap at Glasgow. The assessment that the farm stir had become a lightning rod of all manner for BJP's opponents also prompted the party brass to consider repeal of the laws. Read AlsoFarmers cheer, but stir to continueGHAZIABAD: The modest bunch of protesters holding fort at UP Gate (Ghazipur border) had nothing special planned on Friday. Dull as the November sky, it was to be another eventless day for the vanguard with their heels and tents dug in as the battle of attrition with the Centre moved towards anGovernment functionaries argued that reforms will not be abandoned, pointing out that the decision to withdraw the land acquisition bill post the 2014-win did not end the process, which was easily adapted by states. There is also a view, that even if the decision reads like a retreat, it might be better to come across as humble and end the confrontation at a time when economic indicators are looking up and efforts are on to come out of the Covid effect. Watch Worry over Punjab unrest drove farm law repeal, stress BJP sources

The Times of India

2021-11-20

India