Updated: December 1, 2020 7:22:56 am
Leaders of the Punjab Congress said a farmers’ movement could launch new leaders and the unrest could quickly “get out of hand”.
While Congress supports the farmers’ protest in hopes that it will sharpen its political offensive against the BJP government in the Center, its leadership in Punjab has begun to worry.
The Indian Express spoke with several leaders of Punjab’s Congress who said they were concerned that a prolonged standoff could affect law and order in the state, especially given its troubled history. Furthermore, they said, a farmers’ movement could launch new leaders and the unrest could quickly “spiral out of control.”
That is why, given that the Amarinder Singh government obtained a political point by passing bills in the Assembly to deny the central agricultural laws, the party’s state leadership hopes that the Center will quickly reach an “understanding” with the farmers. .
Read | The government invites agricultural leaders to dialogue today; Prime Minister blames ‘rumor’ and ‘propaganda’ on protest
“At least set up a committee… it will calm down. Today, emotions are very high, but the Central Government seems to be inflexible, “said a senior leader of the Punjab Congress.
On the possibility of separatist elements getting into the unrest, the party’s Punjab unity and the central leadership are not exactly on the same page, said one leader.
“The leaders of the Punjab Congress who have been through the entire reign of militancy understand the implications. They know that this farmers’ struggle can destabilize, disrupt and subvert the peace of Punjab, especially with the hard-liners who are looking for an opportunity, ”said one leader. “In that sense, the central leadership of Congress does not understand well the nuances or dynamics of where this agitation may be headed.”
Read | More join from other states, farmers say
Senior leaders said that the party was not behind the mobilization and, in fact, was surprised by the response. “It seems like a spontaneous agitation; even so-called union leaders have little control. There are elements of youth that guide and drive it. It could be manipulated by extremist elements, leading to a confrontation … anything can happen … and Punjab will be the recipient, ”said a senior leader.
The sources said that the President of the Punjab Congress, Sunil Jakhar, met with Chief Minister Singh today and discussed the way forward.
“The NDA government should understand the dire consequences of this ongoing turmoil with a hyperactive ISI and separatist elements from around the world trying to fish in troubled waters. It is in the broader national interest that Punjab remains stable and calm, ”said congressional deputy and former minister Manish Tewari. “The central government must immediately present an ordinance that modifies the agricultural laws and writes the continuation of the MSP and public procurement.”
Read | Taking Advantage of the Blockade, Ensuring the Center Can’t Ignore: Why Farmers Rejected Burari
The confrontation is “fraught with serious consequences for law and order and the internal security of the nation,” said Congress leader and former Union minister Ashwani Kumar.
“Seeing farmers bombarded with water cannons on a cold November night should put the country to shame. There is no justification for the government to rely on prestige. The price of stubbornness in terms of weakening the federal structure, alienation of farmers and national security must not be paid by the nation, ”he said.
Meanwhile, Congressional Leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi today asking him to provide financial assistance to “small and marginal” farmers who have borrowed with Kisan credit cards. “So far no moratorium package (for) agriculture has been implemented. It is paradoxical that the same farmer as a common man gets a moratorium if he buys a car or a refrigerator, but does not enjoy the moratorium on the purchase of tractors or agricultural loans, “he wrote.
© The Indian Express (P) Ltd
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