Protest against Farm Bill: Rahul Gandhi to join farmers in Punjab

New Delhi : Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi is likely to join farmers in Punjab to lead the protest against passing of farm bill, said a media report.

Rahul Gandhi is also expected to address an election rally for which date and venue is being finalized by the Congress workers.

"After Punjab, he may join the protesting farmers in Haryana. But we are not sure if the BJP government in Haryana will allow him to enter the state," said a Congress leader quoted in a Hindustan Times report.

The rally is a part of Congress' two-month long agitation against the farm bill passed by Centre in the parliament.

The Farmer’s Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020, the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020 and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, 2020 were cleared by both the Houses of Parliament last week, triggering widespread protests, especially in Punjab and Haryana.

President Ram Nath Kovind on Sunday gave his assent for the three bills amid protests at Rajpath.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has termed the laws a “watershed moment” in the history of Indian agriculture, which will empower millions of farmers.

In a video message as part of the Congress party’s ‘Speak up for Farmers’ campaign on Saturday, Gandhi told farmers that they were being persistently attacked.

"First demonetisation, then GST, then you were not given a single rupee at the time of coronavirus, attempt was being made to kill you (farmers), you are being made a slave of corporates, and now these three deadly bills," he said.

"We are standing with you (farmers) and together we will stop these bills. I want to say to the government—you have made a very big mistake. If farmers hit the streets, it will result in tremendous damage. Don’t waste time, withdraw these laws immediately and give guarantee on MSP (minimum support price) to farmers," Gandhi said.