SAD: Will work with TMC to strengthen federalism

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 23

Calling for a united nationwide initiative for a federal structure in the country, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) today extended solidarity with West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chairperson Mamata Banerjee for the TMC kisan rally.

SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal said here today that Punjab and West Bengal had always led the nation’s fight for political autonomy to the states for making India a strong federal country. “We must continue with this tradition and invite more like-minded parties to take a stand for the genuine federal structure in the country, in keeping with the sentiments of our Constitution makers. We have allowed the powers of the states to be eroded in one way or another, due to which things have come to such an extent that the Centre has also legislated on a state subject – agriculture. This has resulted in the ongoing mass kisan movement in the country.”

Badal also applauded Banerjee for sending a five-member team of TMC MPs to hold talks with the protesting farmers and interact with the farmers’ leaders directly today. “You have strengthened the farmers’ agitation by announcing a series of protests from the next week to demand revocation of the three agricultural laws. This will go a long way in making the farmers’ movement a national movement,” he added.

The SAD president also informed the TMC leader that the party had formed a three-member sub-committee, comprising senior leaders Balwinder Singh Bhundur, Prof Prem Singh Chandumajra and Sikander Singh Maluka to coordinate with like-minded parties on the issue.