The farmers' stir loses direction

 

That the farmer’s stir has gone astray and lost its direction is clear from the recent developments. The recent demand for the release of Maoist leaders accused in Bhima-Koregaon violence is the most authentic declaration about its wayward transition.

 

 

The Central Government has shown its willingness to resolve this issue through consistent dialogue and discussion. But instead responding positively to the Government the agitating framers have been raising demands which are apparently anti-national and not related to the genuine issues of the farmers. The latest demand for releasing the Urban Maoists is one example of this agitation being hijacked by these anti-India forces.

 

Earlier, posters of Sharjil Imam and other accused in the anti-CAA agitation were displayed at the farmer’s agitation venue and demands for their release were also made. To a common man who sympathizes with the agitating farmers finds himself perplexed at such demands that do not have any relation with the demands of the farmers.

 

By raising demands for release of the persons accused of treason what message the farmers want to disseminate? In what way this demand is related to their issue? What way these accused have any relation with with the farm laws and the farmers? Their only intention was to disturb the democratic system, spread hatred and destabilize the government and spread anarchy in the country. Do the agitating farmers subscribe to their ideology and strategy? Their leaders must explain.

 

Under the democratic system, the Constitution has granted right to expression. But it has also defined the duties of the citizens. This attitude of misusing the rights is certainly deplorable and this attitude has become the signature tune of the 18-day old agitation of the farmers most of whom belong to the state of Punjab.

 

The government has shown it’s seriousness and genuine concern to strike an acceptable solution to this issue made complex. The farmers have demanded scrapping of the three farm acts passed by the Parliament after sufficient deliberations and discussions.

 

All political parties including those now demanding the repeal of these acts had supported them in the Parliament. They have become reduntant in contemporary politics and lost the mandate of the people. For them, this agitation seems to be the last chance for their existence. Therefore, the Congress, NCP, CPI and CPM, SP and BSP, TMC and T R S all have joined hands to redeem their lost political ground. Their meeting with the President a couple of days ago and support to flopped Bharat Bandh of December 8 are indication s of their desperate mindsets.

 

Union Agriculture minister Narendra Singh Time has warned the leaders of the farmers to keep away from these international forces and the leaders need to seriously take this advice. His warning came on the basis of the intelligence inputs about the conspiracy of these anti-national forces about hijacking their agitation and use them as pawns in their strategy of destabilizing India. These elements do not believe in democracy and have no faith in the process of dialogue. They are only interested in furthering their own destructive agenda. The farmers and their leaders must understand this ulterior motives of these elements and keep them at a safe distance and even expose them in the interest of the nation.

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has time and again clearly said that the new laws are introduced for the benefit of the farmers. He has reiterated that the MSP and APMCs will continue hereafter and farmers will have freedom to sell the products outside the mandis also. But the agitating farmers have refused to listen to his reason and insisting f on their only demand of repealing these laws. This obstinate and adamant attitude of the farmers is the major obstacle in finding an amicable solution to their genuine issues and concerns.

 

The elements and all non-BJP opposition parties are trying to utilize this agitation to vent their anger against the BJP and particilarly, against Prime Minister Modi. Their every action spills lots of venom against the Prime Minister from the day one. The people have given massive mandate in favor of Modi's development agenda twice and that is their Achilles hill. They have tried every fair and foul means to corner Modi and have to bite dust every time. This time also they are sure to test defeat and rub their nose.

 

The government has shown restraint in handling the volatile situation so far. The government could have used force to end this agitation but it has avoided that confrontation. Actually, the Supreme Court should suo motto take cognizance of this entry of anti-national forces into this agitation and seek clarification from the farmers’ leaders about this. They are just trying to spread anarchy by blocking the roads to Delhi and holding the masses to ransom. This should not be allowed at any cost.