Punjab MP protests against farm ordinance, calls it 'kala kanoon'

Marking protest against the government, Congress MP from Amritsar Gurjit Singh Aujla wore black kurta with anti ordinance slogan written on it that reads," I am farmer, I am farm labourer, do not betray me." On Monday Partap Singh Bajwa and Shamsher Singh Dullo also protested outside Parliament against the Modi government.

New Delhi: On the third consecutive day of the Monsoon session, Punjab MPs continue to protest against the three farm ordinances, despite knowing the fact that the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act was passed by Parliament on Tuesday.

Marking protest against the government, Congress MP from Amritsar Gurjit Singh Aujla wore black kurta with anti ordinance slogan written on it that reads," I am farmer, I am farm labourer, do not betray me."

Speaking to media Aujla said," Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Ordinance is being discussed today. The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Ordinance will be discussed tomorrow and I will take part in the discussion. Amendment in the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 was approved yesterday. I oppose these anti-farmer moves of the Government which aims to strengthen private players in Agriculture and will exploit small farmers"

On Monday Partap Singh Bajwa and Shamsher Singh Dullo also protested outside Parliament against the Modi government.

This government has privatised everything from Railways to PSUs and airports. These ordinances will result in loss of Minimum Support Price (MSP).

At the time of the pandemic, when the growth in every sector has shown a negative trend, agriculture has shown positive growth. Farmers saved the country by producing adequate food for citizens. Instead of being thankful to them, this Govt is bringing these draconian bills and we will fight against it tooth and nail, added Aujla.

Besides the farmers, the commission agents are also opposing these ordinances. They also fear that the new laws will bypass their business and they will be rendered jobless.

The Union government says the ordinances are pro-farmer and will provide barrier-free trade for farmers produce outside notified grain markets and empower farmers to enter into farming agreements with private players prior to production for sale of agri-produce. But the farmer unions and opposition parties claim that the ordinances will not only phase out the MSP and the traditional grain market system but will also crush the small and marginal farmers.