INDIA blocking debate on farm issues: Shivraj

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has expressed disappointment over the ongoing disruptions in Parliament, accusing the Opposition of blocking scheduled discussions on agriculture and farmers’ welfare.

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“Today, discussions on agriculture, farmers and rural development were scheduled in Parliament. During Question Hour alone, 11 questions were related to farmers and villages. But it is highly unfortunate that the Opposition is creating unnecessary disruptions, preventing these important discussions,” Chouhan said.

Calling Parliament the “sacred temple of democracy”, the Minister said that positive debate on development and public welfare was central to the democratic process, but the Opposition’s conduct had disrespected both parliamentary decorum and the concerns of millions of farmers.

“I repeatedly urged the Opposition to allow discussions on issues related to farmers’ welfare. We were fully prepared to answer every question and present the government’s schemes and achievements before the House. But the Opposition does not want discussions to take place,” he said.

Chouhan stressed the government was committed to transparency and open dialogue and had been ready to provide detailed responses on rural development programmes. “The country is watching who truly stands with the farmers and who is focused only on creating chaos,” he added.

As the sloganeering continued in the House, Speaker Om Birla intervened and told the Opposition MPs that raising slogans and showing placards were not allowed inside the House. The House proceedings were later adjourned.

The monsoon session has seen repeated adjournments and noisy protests from the Opposition benches, leading to deadlock since Monday. The government, meanwhile, has urged MPs to allow smooth functioning of both Houses to enable discussions on key issues.