Be empathetic to farmers, ex-MP Ashwani Kumar urges PM Modi

Chandigarh, March 17

People of the country, including farmers, have every right to expect empathy, sensitivity and accommodation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is the “first servant” of the nation, said former Rajya Sabha MP Ashwani Kumar here on Wednesday.

Talking to The Tribune, Ashwani, while referring to the farmers’ agitation, said actions of the Prime Minister should be consistent with the democratic philosophy and principles of the nation as people have many expectations from him.

“It is time that the Centre must come to the assistance of farmers and keep everyone united and cohesive, rather than indulging in a divisive and step-motherly treatment,” he said, adding that the Centre’s approach would sound the death knell for federalism in the country.

Hitting out at the Centre for seeking details of land records ahead of the wheat procurement season, he alleged it was an inherently oppressive burden on farmers who were bound to suffer distress and anxiety because of the timing of the move. — TNS