Chandigarh, 2 January 2025: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday accused the Centre of attempting to revive the farm laws that were repealed following widespread protests by farmers, referring to the newly proposed draft of the National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing as a move to bring back the controversial legislation.
Mann, leading an AAP government in Punjab, criticized the Centre for reintroducing a policy that mirrors the three central agricultural laws passed in 2020. After year-long protests, the Centre had repealed the laws under pressure from farmers who had opposed them.
“The new draft policy is an effort to reintroduce the laws that farmers fought against,” Mann remarked while addressing the media.
The Punjab government stands firm in its belief that the draft reflects the intent of the previous agricultural laws. These laws had sparked protests across India, eventually forcing the Centre to back down. Farmer groups like the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have been holding demonstrations, demanding better guarantees for crops, including a legal assurance of minimum support prices (MSP).
Mann stated that the key demands of farmers were issues that required the Centre’s attention, urging the central government to resume talks with the agitating groups. “The demands raised by farmers at various protest sites, such as Shambhu and Khanauri, are aimed at the Centre. The core grievances are identical, even if the unions leading them differ in leadership,” he emphasized. “Why is the Centre not taking steps to initiate discussions with the farmers?”
Farmers have been stationed at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders in Punjab and Haryana since February 13, after their Delhi march was blocked by security forces. These groups have been seeking concrete assurances on MSP and other policies.
Mann highlighted that the Punjab government had previously attempted to act as an intermediary in talks between the farmers and the Centre. “When discussions were held with central ministers Piyush Goyal and Arjun Munda, I played the role of a bridge. But a consensus could not be reached, and following the completion of elections, the Centre did nothing further to engage with the farmers,” he explained.
He also addressed the ongoing hunger strike by farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, now in its 38th day, criticizing the Centre for ignoring his condition. “The Centre is indifferent, while Dallewal’s health deteriorates,” said Mann. “The Supreme Court made it clear that the Punjab government must take care of Dallewal’s health, which we are doing diligently.”
Mann added that medical support was being provided on-site. “There are 50 doctors on duty near Khanauri, and a makeshift hospital is set up nearby to monitor Dallewal’s condition. I spoke to him on Tuesday and stressed that his health is crucial, as the protest could go on for an extended period,” he said.
