'Farmers feed nation, their grievances need immediate attention': Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann to Centre
PTC Web Desk: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday addressed the media on the ongoing farmers' agitation at the Khanauri and Shambhu borders. CM Mann called on the Central Government to adopt a cooperative approach, stating that "contentious issues are best resolved through dialogue". He urged the Centre to engage with farmer unions for a solution, stating, “Wars may be fought, but disputes are ultimately resolved at the table. Farmers are citizens of this country, and their concerns must be addressed earnestly.”
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann categorically rejected the Centre’s draft of the Agriculture Marketing Policy. He announced that Punjab’s government would officially convey its disagreement, suggesting the policy be piloted in another state first. “If it succeeds, let us know. Punjab will consider it then,” he said. Bhagwant Mann affirmed Punjab’s commitment to following Supreme Court orders while ensuring the well-being of protesting farmers, including jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on a hunger strike for 38 days.
He said the Punjab Government had deployed a team of 50 doctors at the protest site and established a temporary hospital within 500 metre of the venue to handle any emergencies. CM Mann warned that if any adverse incident occurred, the BJP-led Central Government would be held accountable.
Bhagwant Mann criticised the BJP government for not engaging with farmers after securing re-election. He expressed concern over the Centre's alleged plans to reintroduce the repealed farm laws in a different guise, claiming that such actions undermine trust. He also urged farmers to avoid decisions like Punjab Bandh, highlighting the financial and logistical losses incurred, including a Rs 100 crore loss during the last bandh.
He said farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s hunger strike had entered its 38th day. CM Mann stressed that the Punjab Government has repeatedly tried to facilitate dialogue but most demands are under the Centre’s purview. While expressing concern for Dallewal’s health, the Punjab CM said he had personally appealed to him to prioritise his well-being, given the prolonged nature of the struggle.
With the matter now pending before the Supreme Court, CM Mann highlighted Punjab’s commitment to supporting farmers. He detailed the state’s efforts, including converting a nearby haveli into a makeshift hospital and deploying a dedicated medical team at the protest site.
The Punjab CM flayed the Centre’s expectation for the state authorities to forcibly move Dallewal to a hospital, describing such measures as impractical and counterproductive. He urged the Central Government to engage all stakeholders in dialogue to avoid escalating tensions. “India aspires to become a global leader. Resolving disputes with our own farmers is a step toward that goal,” he added.
CM Mann also questioned the Centre’s intentions behind the new draft policy, which he claimed threatens Punjab and Haryana’s robust mandi system. He suggested that the Centre test the policy in Madhya Pradesh, where Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has prior experience as Chief Minister.
Addressing recent remarks by central leaders following the Haryana election victory, CM Mann urged restraint and constructive dialogue. He criticised the use of water cannons and tear gas against farmers in Haryana and reiterated Punjab’s commitment to ensuring no casualties occur within its jurisdiction.
The Punjab CM again reiterated their plea for harmonious relations between the Centre and states, urging the government to prioritise farmers’ welfare. “These farmers feed the nation. Their grievances deserve immediate attention,” he said.
- PTC NEWS
