Arvind Kejriwal says will fast in support of farmers’ protest, urges public to join

Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday urged the public to join him in observing a day’s fast on Monday in solidarity with the farmer’s protest around the city’s various borders against the new farm bills.

“I appeal to AAP workers and supporters and the public to observe one-day fast tomorrow in support of farmers. I will also fast tomorrow,” news agency ANI quoted Kejriwal as saying. 

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He also questioned the narrative by some BJP leaders, who have labelled the protesters as ‘misguided’ and ‘anti-national’. 

“Some central government ministers and BJP leaders are saying that farmers are anti-national. Many ex-servicemen, national and international players, singers, celebrities, doctors and traders are also supporting the farmers. Want to ask the BJP,  are all these people also anti-nationals?” Kejriwal said. 

He further said that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-government should “immediately” accept all demands of the protesting farmers and introduce a bill to guarantee MSP, PTI reported. 

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“Centre should shun arrogance and scrap three farm laws opposed by farmers.”

Thousands of farmers, primarily from Punjab and Haryana, have been camped at the various border points of the national capital for over two weeks as they protest the three farm laws, calling them detrimental and fearing they will eliminate the safety net of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system as well as the mandis that ensure earnings.

However, the government says the MSP system will continue and the reforms will open up new options for farmers to sell their crops.