New Delhi:
The Rajya Sabha witnessed an explosive debate today over agricultural bills which sparked widespread protests and led to a stalemate between the ruling BJP and Akali Dal, one of its oldest allies .
Two of the three bills that were passed by Lok Sabha earlier this week were introduced by Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, who declared them “historic” legislation that “would bring about change. in the life of farmers “.
MPs who opposed the bills accused the government of signing a “death warrant” for farmers and of trying to destroy the agricultural sector. They also demanded that the bills be sent to a select committee for review. Supporters for the bill followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi in accusing the opposition of deliberately misleading farmers.
Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister (Agriculture and Farmer Welfare)
“Both bills are historic and will make a difference in the lives of farmers. Farmers will be able to trade their products freely across the country. I want to assure farmers that these bills are not tied to the minimum support price (MSP). “
Naresh Gujral (Shiromani Akali Dal)
“These bills should be sent to a select committee so that all stakeholders can be heard … Don’t think that the farmers in Punjab are weak.”
Partap Singh Bajwa (Congress)
“We will not sign this death warrant for farmers. Agricultural markets are a matter of state. The APMC and the MSP should not be tinkered with … unable to understand why it is necessary to present this bill to the moment the country is battling a pandemic and its neighbor along the ALC. Mr Tomar has spoken to his alliance partners … has he spoken to stakeholders? Why can’t you start this from Gujarat first? If it is successful, others will follow. “
HD Devegowda (Janata Dal (secular))
“Prime Minister Modi should explain why we are in a hurry to pass the bills in the midst of the pandemic. He should explain what farm bills would do for the farming community in the short and long term, and how this will help meet the government’s goal of doubling farmers’ income.
Derek O’Brien (Trinamool Congress)
“The Prime Minister said the opposition was cheating on farmers. You (center) said (that you would double) farmers ‘income by 2022. But at current rates, farmers’ income will not be doubled until 2028 . Your credibility is low for making promises.
Sanjay Raut (Shiv Sena)
“Can the government assure the country that after the adoption of agricultural reform bills, farmers’ incomes will double and no farmer will kill themselves?” … A special session should be called to discuss these bills ”.
Ram Gopal Yadav (Samajwadi Party)
“It seems there is a compulsion that the ruling party does not want a debate or discussion on these bills. They are only rushing on these bills. You haven’t even consulted any farmers’ association. “
TKS Elangovan (DMK)
“Farmers who contribute at least 20% to the country’s total GDP, will be enslaved by these bills. It will kill the farmers and turn them into a commodity.”
Anil Vij (BJP)
“Opposition parties have misled farmers for their own political gain. The Prime Minister assured farmers of the MSP. Farmers will be able to freely trade their products anywhere. During this pandemic, block roads as a sign of protest is not correct “.
Bhupender Yadav (BJP)
“I want to ask why rural income declined during the years you (Congress) were in power … Why are you opposed to these bills?”
The government has said the bills will help small and marginal farmers obtain competitive prices. Farmers are concerned that the invoices eliminate the minimum support price (MSP) now guaranteed by the government. The opposition fears that the bills will benefit corporate interests at the expense of farmers.
All three bills passed through Lok Sabha earlier this week after a voice vote and opposition withdrawal. Among the protests was that of Akali Dal, who withdrew his only representative from the Union Cabinet – Harsimrat Kaur Badal – on the issue and is reexamining his ties with the BJP-led NDA.
