BJP reiterates government ‘always ready’ for talks with farmers on three laws

Vibha Sharma
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, May 26

The BJP on Wednesday reiterated that the Narendra Modi government is “always ready” for talks with farmers on the three farm laws.

Party leaders also said that farmers should “not be misled by political parties or union leaders having political aspirations and that the “agitation will be over after assembly elections in Punjab”.

Claiming that several of the “so-called farmer union leaders are big ‘arthiyas’ themselves”, BJP leader RP Singh said, “Farmers should not be misled by politicians or those with personal interests or gains and think about their own interests.”

Singh said the success of the Direct Benefit Transfer of the MSP in the ongoing Rabi marketing season in Punjab and Haryana is “proof of the Centre’s intent and commitment towards farmers. Most of the so-called union leaders are big ‘arthiyas’ themselves, who are not liking the concept of direct transfer of MSP into farmers’ accounts”.

“The government is always open for a dialogue with farmers, let the corona pandemic settle. Unions too should give in writing the amendments they want in the laws. The three farm laws will remain, let there be no ambiguity on that, they can suggest amendments, which they should give in written first,” he also said.

Meanwhile, claiming that SKM’s “Black Day” has “failed to create impact beyond Punjab, Haryana and some parts of western Uttar Pradesh”, government and party sources say the agitation is continuing because the “Centre does not want to turn it into a ‘Sikhs versus the government issue”.

“The government is treading carefully. It will not do anything that will disturb the balance. These are such difficult times, a pandemic is on in the country, around 21,000 deaths have taken place in Punjab and Haryana. Union leaders may claim that the agitation is not a reason for the spread of Covid-19 but reports, including of Punjab government, says it is,” said a BJP leader who did not wish to be named.