Farmers Movement Archive

As dirty politics rears its ugly head, public bears the brunt

Resolve the farmers’ matter at the earliestYes, the present situation is due to the Centre vs state politics as two rival parties hold power at both levels. The blame game has been going on between them without giving due importance to the demands of farmers. Though farmers have agreed to shift their protests from the railway tracks to railway stations, the Central Government is still hesitant in resuming the supply of trains. Even central ministers were not willing to meet farmers before. With a meeting on cards now after such a long time, farmers are the major stakeholders in this matter. So, the best way forward is to listen to them and solve their issues at both the central level and state level.Jatinderpal SinghCentre seems to be playing with fireTotally, the non-resumption of goods trains, which has caused power crisis in the state and problems galore for the industry, has created a precarious situation which is the direct outcome of such dirty politics. The Central Government is brazenly acting vindictively and revengefully against Punjab to teach a lesson to the agitating farmers instead of redressing their grievances. That doesn't bode well for the tried and tested federal structure of the country. Rather it shows the Centre’s hatred and ill-will towards the state as if it were not an integral part of the Indian Union. In doing so, the Centre is playing a dangerous game which may provoke people and foment trouble. To cause financial blockade of the state amounts to playing with fire and the vicious move appears to be a part of a larger conspiracy against Punjab which may trigger far-reaching ramifications. Baseless excuses are being put forward not to resume the train services. Consequently, it has led to acute power crisis in the state. It has severely affected the supply of fertilisers necessary for Rabi crops, movement of food grain stocks besides heavily impacting the industry. Punjab government asserts that railway tracks across the state are absolutely clear for the uninterrupted movement of goods trains but the Centre is ignoring it using one alibi or the other. Obviously it is hell-bent on harming Punjab's economy. Punjab BJP is playing a dubious role. Rather than convincing the Centre for the restoration of trains it is stoking fire for its vested interests because Punjab is being governed by Congress. To it, dirty politics is of paramount importance. Railway authorities are acting at the behest of its political bosses offering lame excuses for the safety and security of its staff and crew. The forces inimical to the state have conspired to punish it for the farmers' protests. It does not augur well for anyone. Hence, the need of the hour is that the State and Centre should liaise together with the common goal of solving the contentious issue in the interest of the country. Punjab industry has incurred a loss of Rs22,000 crore due to the suspension of goods trains. Will the Union Finance Minister compensate for that? The cancellation of trains has also left the passengers high and dry. Worst affected are the ones who don't have access to online ticket booking.Tarsem S BumrahIndustry is at the receiving endThe suspension of trains by farmers has affected Punjab's coal supply and now there is shortage of power in the state. Different areas are having two hours of power cuts in the state - there is a dearth of 1000 MW power. The suspension of trains has also affected Punjab's industrial sector and many problems are being faced. Almost all industry, including textile, handtool, autoparts, steel are facing shortage of raw materials. Around 10,000 containers have been stuck at various dry ports due to suspension of goods trains. Containers had raw materials worth Rs6,000-7,000 crore and industries had faced loss of Rs1,500-2,000 crore due to non-operation of goods trains. According to me, yes, it is outcome of State vs Centre politics because if Centre did not pass the three farm Bills as laws then there would be no protests and no suspension of trains and no losses. There would be no shortage of power.Amritjot KaurCoal stock not getting replenishedThe suspension of freight trains amid farmers’ stir against the Centre's three farm laws has affected coal supply for thermal power plants in Punjab. All three private thermal power plants have exhausted their coal stocks. The Talwandi Sabo Power Limited (TSPL) declared that plants will suspend power as coal stock was exhausted. Yes, it is outcome of faceless politics as they are not working properly and shut downs in Punjab were caused so the trains cannot run on tracks.Harjot SinghStop protesting on rail tracksThe power situation has turned grim in Punjab with thermal plants running out of coal stock as movement of coal rakes in the state has remained suspended for about a month. In such a situation, it's quite obvious that Punjab state will be in trouble soon. Farmers have become stubborn as they are sitting on rail tracks day/night. Farmers need to understand that if they continue, the Punjab will go out of power soon. One thing everyone needs to know is nobody can fight with the central government. So, there is no point in protesting. Once the law has been imposed, there will be no rolling it back. The law has been passed in the Parliament and it's the big thing. I would like to give the instance of abrogation of "Article 370". At that time, so many people were protesting of this abrogation but central government did not cancel the orders. How the farmers can think that the central government will take down the farm laws. They must keep one thing in the mind that nothing will happen. So, the farmers should leave the railway tracks and let the trains resume for the betterment of state as well as the country.Saahil HansGovt should find a common groundIn our country central government and state governors have different set of rules, when opposition parties are in power. In case of recently passed farm Bills by a specially convened session of Assembly, the state governor refused to sign it and send it to President of India for his assent. Further, the President refused to meet duly elected CM of the state due to politics. Now, the declining economy due to the lockdown needs help to recover but the central government is further expanding it by refusing to talk to agitating farmers. This is because the farming community is being supported by Congress-led state government, which is not appreciated by BJP ruled central government. This strains the relationship between two different political parties and that is damaging the economy of the state. It is time for both parties heading centre and state governments to remember the saying of Winston Churchill "Accept life like a pair of legs. The foot forward has no pride. The foot behind has no shame. Both know their position will soon change.Harsh N Joharcrisis looms if train services don’t resumeThe non-resumption of goods trains may cause power crisis in the state. It may also lead to other problems. In my opinion, it is the direct result of dirty politics. After a long time of staying at homes, the government must contemplate about economy of the country and goods train must resume. It is a fact that politics is a dirty game but they must also think about the gullible and common people who are facing the consequences of it.IzleenQUESTIONAs the ban on firecrackers went up in flames this year, what according to you must be done to enforce the rules in letter and spirit next time?Suggestions in not more than 200 words can be sent to amritsardesk@tribunemail.com by Thursday (November 19).

The Tribune

2020-11-16