Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday for prioritizing the issues of farmers in various spheres of governance, including affordable housing, solar power, water accessibility, and agricultural technology.
“The issue of farmers has been put by PM Modi at the centric stage in every walk of life whether affordable housing, solar houses, Jal in Har Nal, and technology for farmers. Therefore, our expectations are bound to be high. It is a time when there is convergence to take the farmer to a greater height. So, I have no doubt what is being done at the moment will get greater momentum and all agencies are converging. Our expectations are high, but our accomplishments are also historic; our achievements are also splendid, and this will go a long way for the nation,” Dhankhar said.
Appreciation from HD Deve Gowda
Former Prime Minister and JDS leader HD Deve Gowda commended Dhankhar for his consistent focus on farmers.
“You speak so much about the farmer. You are so much concerned about the farming community. I am a farmer, Sir,” Gowda remarked during a Rajya Sabha session.
Concerns Over Farmers’ Grievances
On Tuesday, Vice President Dhankhar questioned Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Chouhan regarding unfulfilled promises made by previous Agriculture Ministers and urged for immediate dialogue on farmers’ concerns.
“Agriculture Minister, did the previous Agriculture Ministers make any written promises? If so, what happened to them?” Dhankhar asked.
He further juxtaposed India’s growing global stature with the distress faced by its agricultural sector:
“Our reputation in the world has never been higher. In such a scenario, why is my farmer in distress? Why is he suffering? This is a serious issue, and ignoring it indicates impractical policy-making. No force in the country can suppress the voice of the farmer. A nation will pay a huge price if it tests the patience of its farmers,” Dhankhar remarked.
Protests and Demands
The Bhartiya Kisan Parishad (BKP), along with other farmer organizations, has been leading protests seeking compensation and policy reforms, including a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP).