Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully has strongly criticised the Modi government at the Centre, accusing the BJP of using farmers as a political tool for its own benefit. Jully highlighted that farmers, after a two-year hiatus, are once again taking to the streets to voice their legitimate demands.
He claimed that the BJP, despite portraying itself as farmer-friendly, is resorting to measures such as tear gas and water cannons against those demanding a law on minimum support price (MSP).
Jully pointed out the double standards of the NDA government, mentioning that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, advocated for the MSP law himself. He expressed disappointment over the government’s handling of farmers, accusing it of using extreme measures to suppress their protests, reminiscent of an era of slavery.
Referring to the historic farmers’ movement two years ago, Jully stated that the Modi government had to retract three controversial agricultural laws in the face of massive protests. He criticised the government for its insensitivity, leading to the loss of lives of hundreds of farmers and condemned an incident where farmers were allegedly crushed by a car belonging to a BJP leader.
Jully accused the central government of betraying farmers with hollow promises and election-oriented statements. The recent measures, such as road blockades with nails and large concrete barricades, have fueled dissatisfaction among farmers, who feel treated unfairly, akin to the British colonial era. The failure to fulfil promises has driven farmers back to the streets to fight for their rights.
