Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha criticized Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday, highlighting a stark contrast between the government’s assurances in Parliament and its actions on the ground.
Addressing media, Jha condemned the use of tear gas against farmers protesting at the Sambhu border. The farmers are demanding compensation and a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
“The Union Agriculture Minister made lofty promises in Parliament, but there is a vast difference between their words and actions. Farmers are met with tear gas and lathi charges. This treatment is undeserved,” Jha remarked.
The MP urged the central government to engage in meaningful dialogue with the farmers and meet their demands, emphasizing the importance of addressing the plight of the agricultural community.
Government’s Response on MSP
On Friday, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan reiterated the government’s commitment to farmers, ensuring MSP availability when market rates fall below the prescribed levels.
“The welfare of farmers is our priority. Under PM Modi’s leadership, there has been an unprecedented increase in agriculture budgets and a rise in MSP for crops. The government remains focused on enhancing farmers’ incomes,” Chouhan stated during his Parliament address.
‘Delhi Chalo’ Protest
The ‘Delhi Chalo’ march, launched by farmers on Friday, aimed to press the central government for legal guarantees on MSP. The protest turned tense at the Sambhu border as police deployed tear gas shells to disperse demonstrators, resulting in injuries to several farmers.
Despite Chouhan’s reassurances of increased budget allocations and procurement efforts, the farmers argue that the lack of a legal guarantee for MSP leaves them vulnerable to market fluctuations and exploitation.
Call for Dialogue
Jha emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between promises and action, urging the government to resolve the conflict peacefully.
“The government must prioritize dialogue over force and address the legitimate concerns of the farmers. The gap between rhetoric and reality cannot be ignored,” Jha added.
The ongoing protest reflects deep-seated grievances in the agricultural sector, underlining the need for sustainable policies that ensure both equity and stability for farmers.