On Tuesday, at the Punjab Congress Bhawan, a press conference was convened, chaired by President of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring. He voiced staunch opposition to the BJP-led central government and pledged unwavering support to the farmers of Punjab engaged in the ongoing protest at the Haryana borders.
Addressing the media, the PPCC Chief stated, “It is profoundly disheartening that the ‘ann daata’ of our nation continue to grapple for their fundamental rights, promised to them by the central government long ago. This juncture will etch itself into history, akin to the previous farmers protest.”
Expounding further, he remarked, “India stands singular in treating its food producers as dissenters. Our country’s genesis lies in peaceful dissent, yet our farmers encounter impediments in exercising this right. The barriers erected at the Haryana borders surpass those witnessed at the Indo-Pak border. The central government, apprehensive of Punjab’s agrarian might, seems to brace for conflict.”
Regarding the farmers’ challenges, Raja Warring articulated, “The farmers’ demands are straightforward and were previously acquiesced by the central government. However, they exhibit an unwillingness to honor their commitments. The farmers seek:
1. Legalization of Minimum Support Price (MSP).
2. Computation of MSP based on the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations.
3. Debt waiver for farmers.
4. Compensation for the families of deceased farmers from prior protests.
5. Implementation of the 2013 Land Ordinance Bill.
6. Withdrawal of FIRs against those issued during first farmers protest
These demands resonate with the farmers’ quest for a more equitable livelihood. In an economy reliant on agriculture, their demands warrant fulfillment.”
He continued, “The demand for MSP escalation commensurate with inflation and wage increases is justifiable. How can farmers subsist on such meager MSP? Presently, farmers earn a paltry 27 Rupees per acre. Furthermore, debt waiver is imperative for Punjab’s farmers burdened with approximately 75,000 crores in debt, shared among approximately 24,92,000 farmers. The UPA government, under Dr. Manmohan Singh, waived 72,000 crores in farmer debt, supplemented by Punjab’s Congress-led government waiving 4,640 crores. Conversely, the central government opts to absolve debts of corporate behemoths, totaling up to 15,00,000 crores, including 3,50,000 crores from willful defaulters. Such partiality is indefensible.”
Expounding on the farmers’ demands, the PPCC Chief remarked, “Over 700 farmers and their families perished during prior protests, prompting PM Modi’s belated suspension of the three farm laws. The farmers rightfully demand compensation for these losses. Moreover, they advocate for the 2013 Land Ordinance Bill, mandating village approval for land acquisition. Evidently, the Modi-led government sidesteps these demands to appease corporate interests.”
Commenting further on the farmers’ plight, Raja Warring lamented, “It is regrettable to witness Punjab police erecting barriers and opposing the state’s farmers, contrary to our previous efforts to bolster their cause. A government promising doubled earnings for farmers now vilifies them as insurgents on home soil. Tear gas and water cannons are deployed against them. Is this retribution for the BJP’s diminishing prospects in Punjab? Why the conspicuous silence from BJP leaders in the state?”
In conclusion, Raja Warring affirmed, “Despite the farmers’ explicit disavowal of political endorsements during protests, we extend unwavering solidarity. Our support remains steadfast and accessible whenever required. Therefore, our legal team offers complimentary legal assistance to those at the protest round-the-clock, facilitated through a dedicated mobile hotline.”
The press conference was graced by the presence of Working President of Punjab Congress, Bharat Bhushan Ashu, General Secretary Organization Sandeep Sandhu, Chairman of Punjab Congress Legal Cell Adv. Bipan Ghai, and PCC Chief Spokesperson Adv. Arhspreet Singh Khadial.