Congress demands PM’s apology after apex court observations on farmers' protest

While addressing the media, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should apologise to the protesting farmers.

New Delhi: Soon after the Supreme Court expressed its extreme disappointment and anguish over the central government's handling of farmers agitation against the three farm laws, the Congress demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi apologise to the protesting farmers.

While addressing the media, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said, "For over 46 days, farmers have been sitting at Delhi borders. They have been braving extremely cold weather and even hailstorm. Today even the Supreme Court expressed its anguish and disappointment over repeated failure of talks and the failure of the Government to find a solution."

He slammed the central government, saying, "Never in the 73 years history of this country, a government was exposed in this fashion for its arrogance, intemperate behaviour and for insensitiveness towards 62 crore farmers."

The Supreme Court made sharp observations on the deadlock between farmers and the government, asking the Center whether it would repeal the three laws and even suggested a committee for negotiations.

The Congress party demanded, "The only thing that is acceptable to the farmers is an immediate repeal of the three black laws. Nothing short of it is acceptable. So we call upon the Prime Minister to come forward and stand with farmers to understand their anguish and suffering.

PM should apologize not only to the families of those farmers who have sacrificed their lives but to all the 62 crores 'Annadatas' of India."

As the Center asked for more time, while referring to the ongoing negotiations, Chief Justice of India SA Bobde said, "We don't find you dealing with the issue effectively. We are taking a decision today. Who is going to be responsible for bloodshed if any?"

While attacking the Center over the matter, Surjewala said, "Only people who are responsible for these protests are Amit Shah, Manohar Lal Khattar and Yogi Adityanath. Farmers have all the right to come to Delhi as they had pre-announced about their non-violent protest. The apex court is the protector of the law so it should question the UP and Haryana government to harm the public property."

Mentioning about the Kisan Mahapanchayat of BJP-ruled Haryana government, the Congress leader also asserted that the matter is neither legal nor political, but about the survival of farmers of India.

He said, "The fraudulent acts of the BJP and its leaders, attempting to dupe and deceive farmers will not work. It's not a BJP vs Congress fight. It's a fight for the livelihood. It's neither a legalistic issue nor a constitutional issue."