Akali Dal, BSP say they will continue to protest against farm laws

Tribune News Service

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New Delhi, July 19

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Badal on Monday said his party along with alliance partner Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) would continue to protest and demand a repeal of the three farm-related laws.

“We want the matter to be discussed in Parliament and duly accepted by the Union government,” said Badal after a protest outside the House on Monday. Former Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal and BSP MPs, including its national General Secretary Satish Mishra, were part of the protest.

Badal condemned the NDA government for turning down the adjournment motion moved by the party in conjunction with others demanding repeal of the three agricultural laws in keeping with the sentiments of the farming community of the country.

Outside the House, Badal urged all political parties to unite on the issue of forcing a discussion on what he said were ‘black laws’.  Farmers have been agitating for their demands for more than eight months now. More than 500 farmers have died. “We had even moved a resolution calling for paying tribute to the farmers who lost their lives during the protests. It is unfortunate that obituaries were not paid to the farmers in Parliament,” Badal said.

The NDA government should show sensitivity towards farmers by acting in a responsible manner befitting an elected government, he said. Instead of listening to the farmers, the union government tried to defame and repress the peaceful movement.

He questioned the style of the Government saying, “Even now no attempt is being made to talk to farmers and resolve their grievances. Such an attitude does not hold well for a democracy.”

The three laws were pushed through Parliament in utter disregard for farmers, the farm labourers and traders, said Badal.