Akalis to lead delegation to seek clarity on ordinances

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 19

Facing a “threat of loss of its political base” due to the alleged anti-farmer ordinances brought by the NDA government, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) today changed its stand on the issue and announced leading a delegation of farm organisations to the Union Agriculture Minister.

The announcement comes on the eve of a statewide protest by farm organisations against the ordinances. Apart from AAP and other parties, rebel Akali leader Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa has also supported the protest.

Earlier, the SAD had said there was nothing wrong with the ordinances, which were aimed at the ‘One India, One Market’ move of the Centre. However, several organisations of farmers criticised the move saying it would end the ensured purchase of wheat and paddy on the MSP.

SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Sunday offered to lead a delegation of farm groups to seek a clarification on the Farming Produce Trade and Commerce Ordinance-2020 from Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, even as he made a categorical announcement that the SAD would always stand with the farmers and never allow tinkering with the MSP or assured marketing of foodgrain.

He said, “Nothing is more important to us than the welfare of farmers. We are ready to make any sacrifice for them. We have a policy of zero tolerance on the issue.”