Akalis blame Centre, state for agrarian crisis

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Tuesday blamed the Centre and the state government for the deepening agrarian crisis in the country. It appealed to both governments to engage with farmers and do their best to save the life of farm leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal.

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In a statement, SAD leader Dr Daljit Singh Cheema said it was shocking that the Centre and the state government were indulging in a blame game on a sensitive issue that was being monitored by the Supreme Court. “Efforts to polarise the issue are condemnable and could prove dangerous for the border state,” he said.

Cheema urged PM Narendra Modi to take lead and create an atmosphere that could lead to the end of Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s fast.

“For that to take place, the government should notify the MSP guarantee law immediately. This is in keeping with the assurance made to the people of the country when the PM withdrew the three agricultural laws.”

The Centre should also withdraw the draft agriculture policy as farmers felt many clauses contained in the three agricultural laws were being reintroduced in the policy through the back door.

“Once the policy is withdrawn, an open-hearted dialogue can be initiated with all stakeholders to chart out all future policies on agriculture,” he added.