Khatter hits back after cancelled Karnal visit, says Government will not repeal the agriculture laws

The Agriculture Laws: Karnal visit for Haryana’s Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khatter on Sunday was forced to be scraped off after farm protesters took over the venue and pulled apart the arrangements. Khatter hit back and accused opposition parties and state BKU leader Gurnam Singh Chadhuni of provoking the protesters of violence and law and order disruption. He further noted that Centre will not repeal the laws, and the only thing acceptable is the amendment of farm laws. 

After cancellation of ‘Kisan Panchayat’ scheduled to be in Kaimla village, Karnal, Khatter addressed a press conference in Chandigarh. He said, “The Government is not going to repeal these laws. It is certain. Even if state governments are to be exempted, there will only be amendments. A resolution can be reached after discussion on certain points. But I don’t think the Government is going to withdraw these laws. I am hopeful that discussions are going in the right direction, that is why the next date of meeting has been fixed.” 

When asked about the laws in question, Khatter said, “Whenever a new policy is made, it always takes time to see its benefits. Had we waited for some time, we would have gone to the Union Government and said that there were discrepancies in these laws. I believe we should wait for at least one year to see its benefits. Even today, these farm legislations are not binding on farmers. Mandis are there, MSP is there and shall always be there. Only an alternative has been given to the farmers. If they get MSP out of the mandi, why would farmers object to that? It will benefit them.” 

Khatter was scheduled to visit Karnal, his home constituency, to announce a development project of INR 100 crore. He blamed the venue violence on people who provoked farmers protesting for the farm laws and led to disruption of law and order which is unconstitutional.

He said, “These people have defamed farmers, this cannot be the behaviour of farmers. Gurnam Singh Chadhuni’s video released two days ago, wherein he incited people, is responsible for today’s incident. I believe that the Congress party and the Communists have a major role to play in such incidents. Through these agitations, if they think they can spread their wings, they are highly mistaken.” 

Haryana’s BJP and JJP MPs and members have been advised to confine to their offices and homes, and to avoid non-official public appearances. Many social media videos have surfaced recently showing senior leaders of both the parties being abused by villagers during their visit to places where protests have gained momentum.