Keypoints:
- The passing of the three controversial farm bills led to an uproar by the agrarian community giving way to various protests since the last 70 days along the borders of the national capital.
- Pawar was of the opinion that Prime Minister Narendra Modi or Defence Minister Rajnath Singh should intervene and resolve the impasse.
- Thousands of farmers, peasants, along with social activists and political leaders participated in the nationwide ‘chakka jam’ organised by Samyukt Kisan Morcha on Saturday in Maharashtra.
Former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party President Sharad Pawar said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s intervention may help resolve the farmers’ crisis.
“In my opinion, the central government should take an initiative and a senior-level minister should intervene,” he was quoted as saying by The Hindustan Times. “I don’t want to disrespect Narendra Singh Tomar but the Prime Minister or Union Defence Minister should intervene then the issue may be resolved.”
He claimed that if any senior BJP minister takes up the farmers issue then the crisis can be solved. He added that he meant no disrespect to the Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar. Adding to this, Pawar also urged the farmers staging a sit in protest at Delhi borders to look for ways to end the deadlock with the Centre over the three agricultural laws.
“It has never happened in the country since independence… The government took extreme measures which also shows their attitude. Whenever farmers come out on streets like this then the government is expected to show some consonance,” he said.
Pawar alleged the BJP is defaming the ongoing agitation of farmers by calling them “Khalistanis” or “terrorists”. “The ruling party has taken a stand to defame farmers by calling Khalistanis and terrorists. These agitators are farmers who have made the country self-sufficient in food production. Calling them with names is not a quality of civilized culture,” the veteran leader said.
Reacting to comments from foreign celebrities, Pawar added that the farmers are protesting despite all odds since the last over two months and people were sympathetic towards them in the country. “Now, similar views are expressed abroad for the farmers which are not good for the country. The government must take them seriously,” he suggested.
