Prime Minister must repeal farm laws: 11 opposition parties issue joint statement

New Delhi: A total of 11 opposition parties have issued joint statement demanding that central government repeal the new farm laws and stop “baseless accusations” against them. Farmers continue to protest against the recently legislated laws and are holding firm at Delhi’s Singhu border.

They also demanded that discussions on agrarian reforms be held with farmers and stakeholders, on the basis of which new enactments could be considered by the Parliament, by convening a special or a joint session if necessary.

In the statement issued by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, NCP’s Sharad Pawar, National Conference’s Farooq Abdullah and CPI(M)’s Sitaram Yechury among others, the opposition strongly protested the allegations made by the Prime Minister that they were “repeatedly lying” to the farmers about the new farm laws and “using them for their politics”.

“We, the undersigned, have expressed our solidarity with the protesting farmers. The call for this ongoing historic struggle was given by more than 500 farmers’ organisations from all over the country under the banner of Samyukt Kisan Morcha. Many of us had opposed these agricultural laws when they were being enacted in the Parliament without discussion or proper consideration. MPs who sought a vote were suspended,” the statement read.

They added that among the “big lies” that the government is spreading is one on the MSP.

“The PM claims the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission report in this regard. This report had recommended an MSP of C(cost)2+50 per cent, while this government, at best, implements A2+50 per cent. In fact, this government told the Supreme Court its inability to implement C2+50 per cent MSP. Who is spreading lies,” the statement asked.

Farmers have been protesting at the borders of Delhi since November 26 against the Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020; the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020; and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.