NEW DELHI: The discussion on the Budget in Rajya Sabha on Thursday saw parliamentarians bring up concerns over the farm laws with Shiromani Akali Dal member Naresh Gujral launching an attack on the government and making it clear that “lathis, barbed wires and water cannons” will not scare the protesting farmers sitting on the borders of Delhi.
He said the farmers would only go home when they could say “Fateh, Fateh, Fateh” (victory). He demanded that the farm laws be repealed and farmers be guaranteed MSP by way of a law for all agricultural produce. Akali Dal, a long-time BJP ally, had quit the NDA over the contentious farm laws.
Gujral said BJP spokespersons must not attribute labels like “anti-national” and “Khalistani” to protesting farmers. He pointed out that while the defence budget had been increased and was an important step, motivating soldiers was critical and the government must remember that many farmer families send their children to the defence forces. The Akali leader said farmers were on the streets because they feel the market will be snatched from them.