Chandigarh, 2 January 2025 – Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday accused the Centre of trying to bring back the now-repealed farm laws through the recently announced draft of the National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing. He called the draft an attempt to reintroduce the contentious laws, which had been withdrawn by the Centre after a yearlong farmer protest.
“The Centre’s new policy proposal seeks to reintroduce the laws that were repealed following prolonged protests by farmers. It is an effort to bring them back,” Mann stated, speaking to reporters.
The AAP-led Punjab government remains firm in its stance, arguing that the draft policy mirrors the three central agricultural laws that triggered the large-scale farmer protests starting in 2020. Farmers, represented by various groups including the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, had taken to the streets demanding the repeal of the laws, eventually forcing the government to back down.
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Mann stressed that the core issues raised by the farmers lie within the central government’s jurisdiction, urging it to resume dialogue with the protesting unions. “The demands of the farmers are with the Centre. Whether it’s the two forums at Shambhu and Khanauri borders or other farmer groups, their demands are identical. Despite the differing leadership, the grievances remain the same,” he said. “Why doesn’t the Centre take the initiative to invite the farmers for talks?”
The ongoing protest has seen farmers camp at Shambhu and Khanauri borders near Punjab and Haryana since February 13, after their march to Delhi was halted by security forces. A key demand remains a legal guarantee for minimum support prices (MSP) for crops.
Mann also reflected on his past involvement in negotiations. “During discussions with central ministers Piyush Goyal and Arjun Munda, I acted as a bridge between the farmers and the government. The decisions were to be made by the farmer unions, but at that time, consensus could not be reached,” he said. “Since then, despite the completion of the general election process, the Centre made no efforts to resume dialogue.”
On the ongoing hunger strike of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, Mann expressed concern over the government’s neglect of the issue. “Dallewal’s fast has entered its 38th day. The Centre is showing no concern,” he said. “The Supreme Court has clearly stated that it is the Punjab government’s responsibility to ensure Dallewal’s well-being, which we are doing with full diligence.”
Mann elaborated that 50 doctors were stationed at the makeshift hospital near Khanauri, where Dallewal’s dharna continues. “We’re following the Supreme Court’s directive that Dallewal should not face any health issues. I spoke with him on Tuesday and reminded him that his health is crucial, especially as the agitation may stretch for a long period,” he added.
