Got assurance on farm stir resolution, raised procurement too: Channi after meeting PM

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 1

Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Friday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and demanded repeal of the three farm laws, resolution of pending issues of farmers and urgent commencement of paddy procurement.

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Speaking to reporters here after a half-an-hour meeting at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, the CM said he flagged three major issues during his first official meeting with the PM.

“It was a courtesy call, but I did raise three issues. Procurement season in Punjab always begins on October 1. Never in the past nearly seven decades has it been postponed. This time, the Centre has deferred it by 10 days till October 11. I demanded its immediate commencement and the PM said he would look into the issue,” Channi said.

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The CM said the prolonged agitation over the farm laws was “hurting the agriculture-driven economy of Punjab”. “I urged the PM to resolve the issue. He heard me patiently and said he also wants the problem solved and is working in that direction. I requested him to resume talks with the farmers and repeal the farm laws,” he said. Channi evaded queries on PPCC chief Navjot Singh Sidhu and the deadlock over appointments.