Farmers Movement Archive

PM’s announcement a huge relief for Haryana BJP-JJP leaders facing protests

Tribune News ServiceChandigarh, November 19Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement on the repeal of three “controversial” farm laws has come as a huge relief for the BJP-JJP government, whose leaders have been at the receiving end of the farmers’ protests over the past one year.Public interest paramount for MODIThe PM’s announcement shows that public interest is paramount for him. I urge the farmers to immediately end their protest and return to their homes as positive attitude needs to be adopted towards this issue. ML Khattar, CMThe announcement, which comes days before the first anniversary of the farm movement at the Delhi borders, was welcomed by the ruling party functionaries as yet another step by the Centre for farmers’ welfare keeping their community’s sentiments in mind.Notably, the Singhu and Tikri borders had emerged as the epicentre of the farm stir since November 26 last year.Top BJP functionaries, including Khattar and Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala, have been facing violent protests by the farmers during their field visits since last year.There were rumblings within the BJP-JJP as several leaders wanted an amicable settlement of the farm issue since it was becoming a huge embarrassment for them since several villages had virtually announced their “social boycott”.Sources said the announcement would blunt the Opposition’s attack on the state government, which had been in the firing line of other parties and farmers. In fact, Dushyant can heave a sigh of relief as he had been under attack for supporting the BJP in utter disregard of party patriarch Tau Devi Lal’s legacy, who toiled for the farmers throughout his life.Besides, an atmosphere of uncertainty had been created in the state on the account of the protests. Also, police forces had been pre-occupied in maintaining law and order due to the protests with other policing jobs taking a hit.Responding to a question regarding the withdrawal of FIRs against the farmers, the CM said in suuch cases, many issues were taken into consideration, while some incidents were serious in nature. “Now a positive initiative will be taken from our side too and there will be no controversies.”“The PM’s announcement has received mixed reactions as some have lauded him while others are still not satisfied. I urge the farmers that they shouldn’t worry now.”Responding to another question regarding the sudden announcement, he said the decision wasn’t taken overnight, talks over this had been going on for a long time and a lot of efforts had been put in on the matter.

The Tribune

2021-11-20