Sukhbir Singh Badal categorically denies the possibility of a tie-up with the BJP in Punjab. (File)
Chandigarh, Punjab:
The government’s rejection of three controversial agricultural laws after 17 months of protests has provided a “told you” moment for opponents, including former BJP ally from Punjab – Shiromani Akali Dal. Last year, Akali Dal has drawn its only minister – Harsimrat Kaur Badal – from the ruling NDA amid differences in agricultural law. Today, Sukhbir Singh Badal categorically rejected the possibility of binding in Punjab, where the party is aiming to return to power, as he insisted, “I warned Prime Minister Modi about black laws.”
Reacting to the repeal of the agriculture law, one of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s biggest policy reversals, chief Akali Dal told reporters: “700 lives have been lost (at the protests of farmers) … the country has seen the martyrdom of these people.. the people. I told the Prime Minister… that the farmers will not agree with the black laws framed by the government. “
“What we said has come true,” he said in a video shared by the ANI news agency, recalling how the BJP’s oldest ally cut ties with the ruling coalition last year.
#CLOCK | Punjab: Shiromani Akali Dal director Sukhbir Singh Badal denies possibility of alliance with BJP after three were abolished #FarmLawspic.twitter.com/qclGIEyNq9
– ANI (@ANI) November 19, 2021
Asked if his party might now consider an alliance with the BJP in Punjab, he replied with an emphatic “no”.
Earlier today, Akali Dal patriarch, Parkash Singh Badal, also attacked the government shortly after Prime Minister Modi’s big announcement in one address for country.
“While I congratulate the farmers of Punjab, the country and the world, my first thoughts go to the family of 700 farmers who were martyred in the noble struggle! This, and the cases Shameful work like Lakhimpur Kheri will always be a black mark on the face of this government,” he said.
Eight people, including four farmers, were run by Ashish, the son of Union Minister Ajay Mishra, in UP’s Lakhimpur newspaper last month, sparking nationwide condemnation.
“The brave sons of this land will remain martyrs for the justice of the peasantry, a cause to which my life has been devoted. This is the first time in the history of democratic government, things like this. brazen and cruel laws were introduced without involving the parties concerned,” added the former Punjab minister.
I thank the great Guru Sahiban and congratulate every farmer who is working hard in his fields. The impact of this victory will have a wide & lasting impact on the fight for justice for the poor and deprived all over the world: Former CM S.Parkash Singh Badal (2/4)
– Shiromani Akali Dal (@Akali_Dal_) November 19, 2021
The brave sons of this land will remain martyrs for the justice of the peasantry, a cause to which I have devoted my whole life. It was the first time in the history of democratic governments that brazen and cruel laws were introduced that did not include stockholders on the council. Former CM PS.Badal (4/4)
– Shiromani Akali Dal (@Akali_Dal_) November 19, 2021
In the last year, Akali Dal has repeatedly urged the government to hold talks with farmers camping near the Delhi border. Sukhbir Singh Badal, his wife Harsmirat Kaur, and many other party leaders also led the protests.
In a tweet today, former Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur also attacked the centre. She also made a call to make minimum support prices for agricultural products a “legitimate right” for farmers.
We got ‘apaar baksheesh’ by Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji on his Parkash Purab when 3 farm laws were repealed. It was the victory of farmers who endured extreme weather, oppression and defamation but remained resilient. I salute the 700 farmers who gave their lives for this cause. pic.twitter.com/036Guevl9e
– Harsimrat Kaur Badal (@HarsimratBadal_) November 19, 2021
Old congress leader Rahul Gandhi among other opposition leaders who did not miss an opportunity today to join a fight in government. He shared an old video in which he predicted the return.
Farmers from Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan have been camping on the Delhi border for about a year now amid the pandemic and extreme weather conditions. They say they will not return to their homes unless the law is repealed in parliament.
Prior to UP Minister Akhilesh Yadav and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra of Congress have said that the move was made based on the UP elections while other critics have suggested that the rollback is also aimed at the Punjab elections.
However, in his address to the nation, the Prime Minister emphasized: “Whatever I do, I do it for the farmers.”
“While apologizing to the nation, I would like to say with a sincere and pure heart that there may be something missing in our tapasya (dedication) that we cannot explain the truth, clearly. as clear as the light of diya, for some of our farmers. brothers,” he said.
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