Climbdown result of farmers’ tenacity: Opposition

New Delhi, November 19

Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Friday led the Opposition in hailing the government decision to repeal farm laws as the victory of India’s farmers and hoped the government will draw lessons for the future and practice consultative decision making.

A united Opposition, including TMC chief Mamata Banerjee, Congress’ Rahul Gandhi, AAP’s Arvind Kejriwal, SP’s Akhilesh Yadav, NCP’s Sharad Pawar, BSP’s Mayawati, RLD’s Jayant Choudhary, NC’s Omar Abdullah and the CPM, described the PM’s climbdown as the result of farmers’ tenacity and their sacrifices with around 700 dying during the 11-month agitation. The leaders also said the PM’s retraction was rooted in the BJP’s fear of loss in upcoming elections, with the Congress asking why ordinances could not be brought to immediately repeal farm laws. The Opposition’s refrain also was – had the government rolled back earlier, 700 farmers would not have died. “After almost 12 months of the Gandhian agitation, today is the victory of the struggle and will of 62 crore farmers and farm labourers. Today is the victory of truth, justice and non-violence,” said Sonia in a statement, with the Congress announcing the observation of ‘Kisan Vijay Divas’ tomorrow.

In an open letter, Rahul congratulated farmers for their “struggle and sacrifice”. He said, “Your peaceful Gandhian struggle that forced a dictatorial government to retract is a classic example of the victory of truth over falsehood.”

He, however, said the struggle was not over and drew farmers’ attention to the need for securing the MSP regime, scrapping electricity law amendment, rolling back GST on farm equipment; reducing diesel prices and waiving farm loans.

TMC’s Mamata Banerjee said, “My heartfelt congratulations to every single farmer who fought relentlessly and were not fazed by the cruelty with which the BJP treated you. This is your victory!”

AAP’s Arvind Kejriwal said, “This golden day will be written in the pages of history like August 15 and January 26. The Centre bowed down to farmers. This is not just the victory of farmers, but also the victory of democracy. This victory proves ego will not stand before the will of the people.” — TNS