President declines to meet SKM leaders

President Droupadi Murmu has declined to meet representatives of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha due to paucity of time.

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The SKM has received a letter from the office of the President, saying their request was considered by the President, but could not be acceded to because of paucity of time. The SKM had earlier sought her intervention in resolving farmers’ issues.

“The SKM appreciates President Murmu for considering its request for an appointment and giving a written response. However, it expresses deep regret that the President could not accede to meet the farmers’ delegation due to paucity of time,” said a statement issued by the morcha.

It, however, expressed hope that the Rashtrapati Bhawan would review its decision on “this crucial request for her intervention, since PM Narendra Modi and the Supreme Court have so far been unable to resolve the impasse and to take constructive steps to save the life of farm leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, fasting for the last 41 days”.

The statement further said that being the head of the State of India, she has the responsibility to help the constitutional institutions of the Executive and the Judiciary, to adhere to the time-tested democratic principles of governance and hold discussions with farmers.

Referring to the Draft National Policy Framework on Agriculture Marketing, the statement said, “Instead of holding discussions to resolve their distress, the NDA government has been facilitating fresh onslaught by the agribusiness corporations on agriculture and livelihood of farmers, workers, small traders and petty producers and on the federal rights of the state governments through the introduction of the new draft policy, which is more dangerous than the now repealed three farm laws.”