“DON’T WRITE PUNJAB OFF”
Q. What is the big message agitating farmers have sent the Narendra Modi government by observing a Bharat bandh?
A. First and foremost, it is a display of unity among farmers everywhere, whether they are from the north, south, east or west. The message that they are sending to the Centre is that the agriculture laws the government has brought in are “anti-farmer” and need to be rescinded. These laws were created and brought in without taking any of the farmer lobbies or farming states into confidence.
Q. You met Union home minister Amit Shah last week and asked him to end the impasse between the Centre and the farmers quickly. Did he give you any assurances on that?
“IF THERE IS A FAMINE, IT WILL BE THE PUNJABI FARMER WHO SAVES YOU. SO, DON’T RELY ON THE PLENTY OF TODAY, THERE MAY BE A PAUCITY TOMORROW
I met him to discuss two issues. The first was national security—there have been drones coming in from across the border on a daily basis and dropping weapons in Punjab, an important issue for me because we are a neighbour state to Pakistan. And I naturally also brought up the farm bills issue at system or the (commission agents) system is removed, then what will happen to their families and the future of their children? Almost 75 per cent of Punjabis are directly or indirectly connected to farming. How are the farmers who own less than five acres of land to survive? These are the poor people who are braving the cold to demand a resolution.
