Will not appease, Capt on farmers’ ultimatum for holding special Assembly session

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 7

Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh has ignored the one-week ultimatum given by the kisan unions for holding a special Assembly session to negate the farm Acts, saying he would do what he felt was necessary in farmers’ interest.

It was decided to call a special session of the Vidhan Sabha to bring in necessary amendment Bills, but giving ultimatums was not the way to force the government into taking hasty steps, the CM said. His sole interest lay in protecting the farmers of the state and the farm sector at all costs, and not in appeasing the farmer organisations, said the CM, adding that he would take decisions which were in the best interest of the farming community.

‘Rail stir regrettable’

The government needs to urgently transport foodgrain, coal, fertilisers and petroleum. It is regrettable that the kisan unions have decided not to stop their ‘rail roko’ stir. — Capt Amarinder Singh, Chief Minister

At a meeting held today, the kisan unions had issued an ultimatum to the state government for convening a special session of the Vidhan Sabha to amend laws to counter the Centre’s agricultural legislations.

The unions’ threat to gherao his residence, the houses of the state ministers and Congress leaders would not force him into taking any decision which might turn out to be detrimental for the interests of the farming community, said Amarinder.

Flays Lakhowal group

CM Capt Amarinder Singh on Wednesday said the BKU (Lakhowal) group’s U-turn on its petition against the farm laws in the Supreme Court was the result of pressure from the SAD.

The suggestions given by the unions on the way forward on the farm Acts had been taken into consideration. Besides, it would be ensured that nothing was allowed to obstruct his government’s efforts to save the livelihood of farmers, said the CM. It was regrettable that the kisan unions had decided not to stop their ‘rail roko’ agitation, as it would prove to be damaging for the interest of both farmers and the state, said Amarinder.