Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal has accused the central government of attempting to reintroduce the controversial farm laws through indirect means. Kejriwal made the remarks during a public rally, warning farmers to stay vigilant about policies that he claimed are aimed at undermining their livelihoods and benefiting corporate interests.
Kejriwal’s Allegations
Kejriwal stated that despite the historic farmers’ protest that led to the revocation of the three farm laws in 2021, the Centre is now reportedly finding “backdoor methods” to reintroduce similar measures. He alleged that recent policy changes and government actions indicate an attempt to “weaken the farmers’ position and strengthen big corporations.”
He urged the farming community to stay united and not let the sacrifices made during the protests go in vain. “The government is slowly trying to implement the same laws they promised to repeal. This is a betrayal of the farmers,” Kejriwal said.
Concerns Over MSP
The AAP chief highlighted the issue of the Minimum Support Price (MSP), claiming that the government is not taking adequate steps to ensure MSP guarantees. He argued that the failure to legally mandate MSP is a signal that the government is not committed to safeguarding farmers’ interests.
Kejriwal criticized the Centre for its alleged lack of transparency in framing agricultural policies and called for immediate steps to protect the rights and livelihoods of farmers.
Political Backdrop
The accusation comes in the backdrop of the upcoming elections, where agrarian distress remains a key issue. Kejriwal’s remarks seem to be part of a broader strategy to consolidate farmer support for AAP in states where agriculture is a dominant occupation. His party has been vocal about its commitment to the welfare of farmers, often positioning itself as a pro-farmer alternative to the BJP.
Centre’s Response
So far, the central government has not officially responded to Kejriwal’s accusations. However, BJP leaders have previously dismissed such claims as political stunts. The Centre maintains that its policies are aimed at modernizing agriculture and increasing farmers’ income.
Call to Action
Kejriwal urged farmers’ unions to remain active and push for their demands, particularly the legal guarantee of MSP. He emphasized the importance of grassroots mobilization to counter any attempts to impose anti-farmer laws.
Conclusion
The controversy over farm laws appears to be far from over, with opposition leaders like Kejriwal continuing to raise concerns about the Centre’s intentions. As the political discourse heats up, the issue is likely to remain a focal point in the run-up to the elections, with both sides using it to sway public opinion. The farmers’ movement, which was one of the largest in recent history, continues to cast a long shadow over Indian politics.