Critics say these new farm laws will lead farmers to lose guaranteed purchase prices for their crops, to the benefit of large corporations. Most opposition parties and farmers’ organizations across the country have strongly opposed the bills.
According to some media reports, former Congress Speaker Rahul Gandhi may also join a protest in Punjab this week in support of farmers agitating against the government over the three farm laws passed by Parliament last week.
CM Amarinder Singh, who has voiced his opposition to the bill, will hold a protest in Khatkar Kalan, which is also the ancestral village of freedom fighter Bhagat Singh. Opposition parties, including Congress, SAD, TMC and others, have opposed the bill that was passed by Parliament.
Singh said Punjab will try to change the laws to protect farmers from the controversial laws. “We are already consulting with legal and agricultural experts, and all those affected by the dire laws of the central government, to decide the future course of action,” he said.
Earlier Monday, a group of people also set fire to a tractor near Delhi’s India Gate to protest against the new laws. According to the police, a group of 15 to 20 people came to Mansingh Road with a tractor and set it on fire amid slogans, after which those involved fled the scene. Five of the accused have been arrested.
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