Cong wary of BJP ‘plan’ to involve Capt in talks

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 3

With farmer leaders adamant on repeal of the Central agri laws, Punjab Congress leaders are wary of BJP’s strategy to involve Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh in its meetings with peasants to end the deadlock. The outcome of the meetings, which could go either way, could also prove counter-productive for the party.

After meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi on Thursday, Capt Amarinder sought an early resolution of the deadlock and urged the Centre to rethink its stand on the legislations. He also appealed to the farmers to find an early solution to the problem that was adversely impacting the state’s economy and posed a serious danger to national security.

The Chief Minister categorically said he and his government were not involved in mediation in any way and the matter had to be resolved between the Centre and farmers. However, sources said since the Chief Minister was the first to speak against the Central laws and even passed three amendments to the legislations, he had influence on the farmer leaders protesting on the Delhi borders. The sources did not rule out the possibility of the Centre insisting on the Chief Minister’s participation in the talks with farmers.

Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party stae youth wing president Meet Hayer said the Chief Minister should tell the people of Punjab whether or not he exerted pressure on Home Minister Amit Shah to repeal the Central agriculture laws. The youth leader said the Chief Minister telling the Home Minister to resolve the issues and concerns of the farmers expeditiously made no sense at this point in time.