Amid ongoing farmer protests, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar urged the government to initiate immediate dialogue with farmers to address their concerns. Speaking at the Centenary Foundation Day of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research—Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology (ICAR-CIRCOT) in Mumbai, he emphasized the importance of resolving the crisis promptly.
Addressing Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan directly, the Vice President inquired about past promises made to farmers, questioning whether any written commitments by previous Agriculture Ministers had been fulfilled.
“India has reached new heights globally, and our reputation is unmatched. But why are our farmers in distress? Why is their voice unheard? This is a matter of serious concern, and ignoring it reflects poorly on policy-making. No force can suppress the voice of the farmer, and trying their patience could lead to severe consequences,” Dhankhar said.
He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently advocated for solutions through dialogue, highlighting the need for constructive communication between the government and the farming community.
“Can we afford a divide between farmers and the government? Dialogue is the only way forward. My concern is why this initiative has not been taken yet. Agriculture Minister, if commitments were made, why haven’t they been honored?” he questioned.
Dhankhar likened the current situation to the challenge faced by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel during India’s unification, urging the Agriculture Ministry to approach this issue with equal seriousness.
The Vice President’s remarks come amid rising tensions between the government and farmers over unresolved issues, underscoring the need for immediate action to address the grievances of the agricultural community.