Congress MLA Pargat Singh Accuses Modi Government of Betraying Farmers and Sacrificing Indian Agriculture
Congress MLA Pargat Singh launched a scathing attack on the Centre on Saturday, accusing it of "betraying farmers" and being willing to "sacrifice Indian agriculture" for its own political and economic interests. The criticism came in response to the government's handling of agricultural issues raised in Parliament.
Evasion of Questions in Lok Sabha
Singh highlighted that while Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi raised serious concerns about the state of farming during Lok Sabha proceedings, the Modi government chose to evade every question instead of providing direct answers. He emphasized that this pattern of avoidance reflects a deeper disregard for the agricultural sector.
Key Issues Raised by Rahul Gandhi
According to Pargat Singh, each issue brought up by Rahul Gandhi is vital for the nation's farmers:
- Minimum Support Price (MSP): Questions about the implementation of promised legal MSP guarantees.
- Procurement Policies: Concerns over fair and timely procurement of crops.
- International Trade Agreements: The impact of deals like the India-US trade agreement on domestic agriculture.
Singh alleged that the BJP-led government has consistently acted against farmers' interests, pointing to historical examples such as the three controversial farm laws and recent trade agreements that he claims undermine local farming communities.
Failure to Implement MSP Promises
The Congress MLA recalled that even in 2021, when questioned about why the promised C2+50% legal MSP had not been implemented, the Centre failed to respond directly. Instead, it merely repeated its old MSP policy without addressing the core demand for enhanced support.
Criticism of MSP Bonus Discontinuation
Pargat Singh also criticized the government for admitting it had pressured states to discontinue MSP bonuses. He termed the justification of "national priorities" as baseless, arguing that this move further disadvantages farmers who rely on such incentives for financial stability.
In summary, Pargat Singh's accusations paint a picture of a government that prioritizes other interests over agriculture, leaving farmers feeling neglected and betrayed. The ongoing debate highlights the deepening political divide over agricultural policies in India.
