Farmers Movement Archive

Political compulsions forced Modi’s hand, say MVA netas on move to repeal farm laws

Nagpur/Chandrapur: After the Prime Minister announced the central government’s decision to repeal farm laws, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) constituents said it was political compulsions which forced Narendra Modi’s hand. NCP chief Sharad Pawar said it was solely the fear of losing the upcoming Uttar Pradesh and Punjab elections that led to Modi changing his stance. Addressing media at Chandrapur, Pawar said, “BJP got a lot of negative reactions from these two states and Haryana. Hence, looking at all these things a political decision was taken to repeal the farm laws.” Lauding the protesting farmers, Pawar said, “They were resolute and steadfast in their opposition to the new farm laws. They braved the cold, rains and heat and continued their struggle. I salute the farmers who continued their protests peacefully for a year.” Pawar claimed that discussions over amendment in agriculture law for better support price for the harvest and to create an international market for farm produce were held when he was the Union agriculture minister. “Then, the BJP, which was in the opposition, was pressing for framing of new agriculture laws. I am of the view that agriculture is a state issue and hence no initiative can be taken without discussion with the states and other stakeholders. I met agriculture ministers, marketing and cooperative ministers and different farmer unions. Suggestions and recommendations were sought from agriculture universities too,” said Pawar. State chief minister Uddhav Thackeray issued a statement saying that Friday’s developments prove that the common man has won. “I pay tributes to those who lost their lives during this agitation. We hope that in future, the Union government will consult opposition parties before making any law,” said Thackeray. He also added that MVA had always registered its opposition to the farm laws at both cabinet meets and the legislature. State Congress president Nana Patole said that Modi needs to do more than just repeal the farm laws. “Modi and the BJP are habitual liars. We demand that Modi must first apologize to the farmers and also promise that in future no such anti-farmer laws shall be introduced,” said Patole. Patole added that certain actions of Modi do not inspire confidence in farmers. “Why is the Union minister, whose son mowed down farmers under his car in Lakhimpur, is still part of the cabinet. So, his decision is only because of fear of losing elections,” said Patole. Cabinet minister Vijay Wadettiwar said there was nothing in Modi’s decision “to be welcomed”. Wadettiwar said, “Why should I welcome the decision which comes at the cost of 600 lives of agitating farmers. Why did the government wait for nine months before taking this decision. It’s been done due to impending polls, nothing else.”

The Times of India

2021-11-20

Nagpur