Farm laws were passed undemocratically, must be repealed: Oppn after President’s meet

Amid the ongoing farmers’ protests against the three new farm laws, a joint delegation of Opposition parties met President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday after which Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said, “The way farm bills were passed, we feel it’s an insult to farmers. That’s why they are protesting in cold weather.” 

“We informed the President that it is absolutely critical that these anti-farmer laws are taken back,” Gandhi said. 

Opposition leader Sitaram Yechury said the Opposition leaders told Kovind that three “farm laws were passed  were passed undemocratically in Parliament” and that they have “sought repeal of laws.” 

Farmers protest Live Updates: Farm laws passed in hurry, must be repealed, says Opposition after Prez meet

“In this cold, the farmers are on the streets protesting peacefully, expressing their unhappiness. It is the duty of the government to resolve this issue,” NCP leader Sharad Pawar said. 

Pawar added, “There was a request from all opposition parties for an in-depth discussion of farm bills and that it should be sent to select committee, but unfortunately, no suggestions were accepted and the bills were passed in hurry.”

“We have given a memorandum to the President. We are asking to repeal agriculture laws and electricity amendment bills that were passed in an anti-democratic manner without proper discussions and consultations,” Yechury said. 

On the 14th day of agitation, Farmers, protesting at various borders of the national capital, on Wednesday rejected a slew of proposals suggested by the government, which included a written assurance on Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crop procurement and clarification on other key issues.

Darshan Pal, President of Krantikari Kisan Union at Singhu border, said, “We reject the government’s proposals,” and announced that they will block Delhi-Jaipur and Delhi-Agra highways by December 12 and gherao BJP’s headquarter on December 14.