Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann reaffirmed on Monday that while his doors remain open for discussions with farmers, protests should not lead to inconvenience or harassment of the general public.
During a meeting with farmers at Punjab Bhawan, CM Bhagwant emphasized that the government is always willing to address societal concerns through dialogue. However, he urged that disruptions, such as road and rail blockades, should be avoided, as they cause undue hardship to the public and create social discord. He pointed out that such actions often turn people against the protesters, which is neither desirable nor beneficial.
Acknowledging that protesting is a democratic right, Mann stressed that frequent blockades result in significant losses for the state. He noted that traders and industrialists have expressed concerns about the adverse impact of these disruptions on their businesses. Appealing to farmers, he urged them to avoid measures that sow division in society.
The Chief Minister reiterated that while the Punjab government stands firmly with the farmers, their key demands fall under the jurisdiction of the central government. Unfortunately, Punjab and its people are bearing the brunt of these repeated protests. Citing an example, he mentioned that thousands of commuters suffer daily due to road blockades.
CM Bhagwant urged farmers to consider the impact of their demonstrations on ordinary citizens, as such disruptions do not affect the central government but instead disturb public life. He highlighted that no previous chief minister has held as many meetings with farmers as he has, actively listening to their concerns.
Despite this, he found it unfortunate that farmers continue to protest on issues unrelated to the Punjab government. As the leader of the state, he assured that he would safeguard the rights and interests of all sections of society.
CM Bhagwant also stated that Punjab had rejected the central government’s draft National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing, asserting that agriculture is a state subject and does not fall under the Union government’s domain. He described the draft as anti-Punjab and anti-farmer, emphasizing that his administration had strongly opposed it in a formal written response.
Furthermore, he shared that the Punjab government has developed a draft agricultural policy for the state and is currently seeking input from stakeholders. Once all feedback is received—expected within 20 days—the policy will be finalized.
On the issue of the agrarian crisis, CM Bhagwant highlighted the government’s efforts to support farmers and free them from the cycle of debt. He acknowledged the growing burden of input costs and declining returns, stating that the government is actively working to supplement farmers’ incomes.
Expressing concern over the Union government’s neglect of Punjab’s farmers, CM Bhagwant noted that he has repeatedly raised their issues with the Centre, but to no avail. He criticized central policies, arguing that they are crafted by economists with little understanding of ground realities, leading to further hardships for farmers.
Despite the Centre’s indifferent stance, CM Bhagwant assured that Punjab’s government remains steadfast in its support for farmers. He reiterated the state’s commitment to advocating for farm loan waivers at the central level, emphasizing the need to protect those who have made India self-sufficient in food production.