Punjab CM Criticizes Centre's 'Backdoor' Revival of Farm Laws

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann accused the Centre of attempting to reintroduce the repealed farm laws via a new draft policy. He criticized the Centre's reluctance to engage in dialogue with protesting farmers and emphasized the Punjab government's opposition to the draft policy.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has accused the Central government of attempting to reintroduce the farm laws, which were repealed last year, under the guise of a new draft National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing. Mann has described this as a 'backdoor' approach.

Despite the revocation of the contentious laws after extensive farmer protests, Mann claims the draft policy suggests ending Punjab and Haryana's strong mandi system, an aspect strongly opposed by the state government. Although the draft seeks input from regional administrations, Mann confirmed Punjab's written refusal to endorse it.

The issue gained prominence with Jagjit Singh Dallewal's prolonged hunger strike, now in its 38th day, highlighting the farmers' grievances. Mann urged the Centre to adopt a more accommodating stance and engage in meaningful dialogue with farmers' unions before the situation escalates further.

(With inputs from agencies.)