Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, December 23
Even as he extended all possible help to families of protesting farmers, Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Wednesday asked the Akalis and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to stop indulging in petty politics over the farm laws as the issue was not political but concerned the future of the state and its children.
“The issue is not political, it concerns the future of Punjab, our agriculture and the future of our children. If we don’t oppose the black farm laws, we will endanger the future of our children,” said the CM, addressing the people through the 19th Facebook Live #AskCaptain edition.
Appealing to all not to politicise the agitation of the farmers, who were battling severe cold at the Delhi borders where they have been protesting for the past 28 days, the Chief Minister exhorted the AAP and SAD to stand unequivocally in support of the farmers over the farm laws.
Urging the farmers to take care of themselves amid the severe cold, Captain Amarinder asked them to call 1091 helpline or 112 police helpline for any emergency help for their families back in Punjab. Expressing concern over the death of farmers during the protests, he prayed to the almighty that the Centre may resolve the issue soon. “The ball is in their court,” he said, citing the fears of the farmers that the MSP system and the FCI procurement model would end as recommended by the Shanta Kumar report. “Who will buy foodgrains if FCI is wound up?” he asked, adding that this would eventually lead to an end to the PDS system. “Who will feed the poor then?” he asked.
The Chief Minister took a dig at the repeated U-turns of both the Opposition parties on the issue. The truth, said Captain Amarinder, was Punjab was initially not part of the committee formed by the Centre to discuss agricultural reforms but was incorporated after he wrote to them. Subsequently, two meetings were held, one related to finance and attended by Manpreet Badal and the second where only officers were invited and a draft was shared which made no mention of the laws.
His government responded and objected to the suggestions of the Centre in the draft and categorically maintained that MSP should not be tinkered with at any cost, he added.
Not visiting singhu, tikri to avoid politics
Captain Amarinder Singh on Wednesday said he had deliberately chosen not to visit borders of the national capital to express his solidarity with the farmers. Responding to questions about his failure to visit the protesting farmers, he said it was out of respect of the feelings of the farmers, who have clearly stated that they don’t want any political parties to be involved.