Chandigarh, 25 February — The Punjab Assembly unanimously passed a resolution rejecting the Centre’s draft National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing, calling it an attempt to revive the three farm laws repealed in 2021 after mass protests.
State Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian, who introduced the resolution, stated that the draft policy undermines Punjab’s authority over agriculture.
“This House rejects the Centre’s policy framework, as it seeks to reintroduce the contentious provisions of the repealed farm laws through other means,” the resolution read.
Two BJP MLAs were absent when the resolution was passed.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann accused the Centre of consistently targeting Punjab, citing issues such as the Rural Development Fund (RDF) dispute and the deportation of Indians from the U.S.
“The Centre made sure U.S. military planes landed in Amritsar just to tarnish Punjab’s image,” Mann told the Assembly.
Slamming the Congress, Mann dismissed claims by Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa that 32 AAP MLAs were in touch with the party. “Congress, despite being a national party, has failed to take up Punjab’s issues.
Instead, its leaders are busy making baseless statements,” Mann said, challenging Congress MLAs to unite even seven of their legislators.
Minister Calls for Opening Shambhu, Khanauri Borders
AAP state chief and Minister Aman Arora urged protesting farmers to reopen inter-state highways at Shambhu and Khanauri, which have been blocked since February 13.
“While the House stands with farmers, road closures are crippling industry and trade. Orders worth crores are being canceled, impacting Punjab’s economy,” Arora mentioned.
He proposed forming an all-party panel to meet farmer leaders Jagjit Singh Dallewal and Sarwan Singh Pandher to seek a resolution.
“I hope they will understand what three crore Punjabis want and reopen these roads,” he added.
Read More: Bajwa Offers Conditional Support to Punjab Govt Against Agri-Marketing Policy
