INDIA Bloc Vows to Champion Farmers' Rights in Parliament Amid New Protest Wave

Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and other INDIA bloc leaders meet protesting farmers, promising to raise their demands, including MSP legalization, in Parliament. Akali Dal and AAP MPs echo support, criticizing the government's inaction. The Budget Session, where these issues may surface, commences on Monday.

Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa met with farmers on Monday, pledging that INDIA bloc leaders will advocate for their rights in Parliament. Speaking to ANI, Randhawa stated, "The INDIA alliance MPs have engaged with farmers protesting at the borders, who have requested a private bill. While the decision to accept the bill rests with the speaker, INDIA bloc leaders are committed to voicing farmers' concerns."

In February, farmer unions organized a march to Delhi, pressing for various demands, including a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP) for crops. Dubbed Farmers Protest 2.0, it comes nearly two years after farmers, particularly from Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh, protested against three farm laws, which were eventually repealed. This time, farmers are calling for measures to ensure the financial viability of farming.

Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal remarked, "The farmers of Punjab, who contribute significantly to the nation's food supply, are extremely dissatisfied with the current government, as evidenced by over 80 percent voting against the BJP. Farmers are barred from entering Delhi and treated like infiltrators. The BJP's failure to address farmers' issues has hindered its political success." AAP MP Malvinder Singh Kang added, "The farmers' demands are valid and genuine, and although the Prime Minister pledged to fulfill them, they remain unaddressed. We aim to spotlight these issues in the current session and pressure the government to act."

In parallel developments, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the 2024-25 national budget on Tuesday during the Budget Session of Parliament. Earlier on Monday, Sitharaman tabled the Economic Survey 2023-2024 in the Lok Sabha. The Budget Session, which commenced on Monday, will span 16 sittings over 22 days and is scheduled to conclude on August 12.