Arvind Kejriwal Blames BJP for Farmer’s Protest, Alleges Revival of Farm Laws ‘Through Backdoor’

AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal strongly criticized the BJP on Thursday for its handling of ongoing farmer protests in Punjab.

He stated that the BJP-led central government would be accountable “if something happens” to farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike.

The farmers’ demands include a legal guarantee on Minimum Support Price (MSP) and other reforms. Kejriwal pointed out that these were the same issues the BJP had agreed to address three years ago but failed to implement.

“Why is the BJP so arrogant that it does not even talk to anyone?” Kejriwal asked, accusing the Centre of neglecting its promises to farmers and displaying a lack of meaningful engagement.

Allegations of Backdoor Reintroduction of Farm Laws

In a post on X, Kejriwal alleged that the Centre is preparing to reintroduce the repealed farm laws “through the backdoor.”

He claimed the central government is calling the new initiative a “policy” and has circulated copies to states for feedback.

The draft policy, named the “National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing,” has been heavily criticized by the AAP-led Punjab government, which termed it an attempt to revive the controversial farm laws repealed in 2021 after nationwide protests.

“For the information of farmers across the country, let me tell you that the three black laws which were withdrawn by the Centre three years ago due to the farmers’ agitation, the Central Government is preparing to implement them again through the back door by calling them ‘policies,’” Kejriwal stated.

Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s Indefinite Hunger Strike

Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal has been fasting since November 26 at the Khanauri border between Punjab and Haryana. Despite his deteriorating health, Dallewal has refused medical aid.

His protest demands include a legal guarantee on MSP and other reforms benefiting farmers.

Kejriwal expressed grave concern over Dallewal’s health, saying, “May God keep the farmers who are on an indefinite protest safe, but if something happens to them, the BJP will be responsible.”

Supreme Court Intervenes in Farmers’ Protest

The ongoing protests have also drawn the attention of the Supreme Court.

On Thursday, the apex court criticized the Punjab government for creating a false impression in the media regarding attempts to disrupt Dallewal’s hunger strike.

Punjab Advocate General Gurminder Singh denied these allegations, stating that efforts were being made to convince Dallewal to accept medical help without breaking his protest.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized that the government would act in accordance with the Supreme Court’s directives regarding the ongoing protests at the Punjab-Haryana border.

Tensions Rise at Punjab-Haryana Border

Farmers affiliated with the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have been staging protests at the Punjab-Haryana border since February 13.

Security forces halted their march to Delhi, intensifying tensions at the Khanauri and Shambhu border points.

Kejriwal accused the Centre of showing indifference toward its own citizens, stating, “The BJP government is not even talking to the farmers. Talk to them. They are the farmers of our own country.”

Key Issues: MSP and Farmers’ Rights

The farmers’ central demand for a legal guarantee on MSP remains unaddressed. This unresolved issue has become a rallying point for the protesting groups, who fear that their livelihoods and rights are at risk.

Kejriwal criticized the BJP for failing to fulfill its promises and called for immediate action to resolve the farmers’ concerns.

“Their demands are the same which the central government had accepted three years ago but has not implemented yet. The BJP government has now reneged on its promise,” he said.

Backdoor Policies Fuel Protests

The Centre’s proposed agricultural policy has fueled protests as farmers fear it may reintroduce unfavorable provisions from the repealed farm laws.

Kejriwal alleged that the policy lacked transparency and accountability, sparking concerns over its potential impact on farmers.

“The Central Government is preparing to implement the repealed laws again under the guise of policies,” Kejriwal warned, urging the BJP to prioritize dialogue and resolution.

Call for Dialogue and Resolution

The protests underscore widespread dissatisfaction among farmers with the government’s approach to agricultural reforms.

Kejriwal’s statements highlight the urgent need for meaningful dialogue to address the farmers’ concerns and prevent further escalation.

The ongoing hunger strike and demonstrations at the Punjab-Haryana border have become symbols of the farmers’ determination to secure their rights and ensure that their voices are heard.