In Samrala, Mallikarjun Kharge lauds farm protest, slams Centre over 3 ‘regressive’ laws

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, February 11

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge today launched a scathing attack on the Modi government for its “mishandling” of the three farm laws.

Will fight alone, emerge victorious

In some states, INDIA bloc is holding its own, while in others it isn’t. But we will fight alone and emerge victorious. It hardly matters who joins us and who doesn’t. Mallikarjun Kharge, Cong Chief

Addressing the Punjab Congress workers’ convention at Samrala, Kharge said the farm laws, instead of being a “game-changer” as touted by the Centre, were “regressive and short-sighted” and meant to push the farming community into poverty. Lauding the Punjab farmers for putting up a brave front during the stir, the Congress chief said: “Your agitation was successful and prevented thousands of farmers from falling into the trap of big businesses.”

He further said acting contrary to the slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan”, the BJP government ruined farmers and soldiers during its 10-year rule. “The Modi government is working only to further the interests of a few rich people,” he claimed.

“The Congress will fight alone till the end and emerge victorious,” Kharge said in an apparent reference to AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal’s statement yesterday that his party would contest all 14 seats in Punjab and Chandigarh in the LS elections.

“In some states, the INDIA bloc is holding its own, while in others it isn’t. But we will fight alone and win in the end. It hardly matters who joins us and who doesn’t in this fight. The decision to create the bloc had been taken for the entire country, not just Punjab,” the Congress president said.

He urged the party workers to go door to door to ensure Congress’ win. “Meetings will continue but workers need to connect with people,” he said.

Party leader Partap Singh Bajwa said Kejriwal would be left alone in his lone fight. On a likely BJP-SAD alliance, Bajwa said: “The BJP may form alliance with anyone, but Sukhbir Badal, who snapped ties with the NDA earlier, should explain whether the move will benefit Punjab, SAD or the Badals.”

Meanwhile, the Punjab Congress held its first-ever workers’ convention, which was attended by all prominent leaders of the state. Navjot Singh Sidhu and Ravneet Bittu, however, stayed away.

(With agency inputs)

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