Chidambaram defends Punjab farm bills, asks why can’t there be 2 models of agricultural marketing

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 21

Congress leader P Chidambaram on Wednesday defended the farm bills passed by Punjab Assembly to nullify central laws and asked why can’t there be two models of agricultural marketing in a large nation like India.

“Modi government has adopted a model of agricultural produce marketing, Punjab government has adopted another model. Why can’t there be two models of marketing farm produce in a large country like India? Article 254 of the Constitution gives that right to every state,” said Chidambaram as a constitutional face-off between the Centre and Punjab on the issue appeared imminent.

Former home minister Chidambaram said in a federal system there is space for as many models as there are states.

“One Country One System will lead to mediocrity and wreck federalism. Let the people of each state decide which model they want. That is a decision that the people must make, not the Governor or the President,” he said.