Chandigarh, September 12 – The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) today appealed to the union government not to present the three central agricultural ordinances for approval in parliament until all reservations expressed by ‘Kisan’ organizations as well as farmers and khet mazdoor are duly addressed.
A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting of the SAD core committee which was presided over by SAD President Sukhbir Singh Badal at the party head office here.
A party release here said the core committee felt that it was its responsibility to get the reservations of the ‘annadaata’ addressed and asserted that it was committed to take up all issues raised by farmers with the Union government. The committee noted that the SAD leadership led by its President had met farmer organizations, farmer representatives and representatives of ‘khet mazdoor’ during the last few days. “It also held discussions with farm experts to take their views besides taking the view of grass root party workers as well as the senior party leadership”. The release said a considered view had emerged that the Union government should not rush through with passing the three central ordinances till the apprehensions conveyed to the SAD were not addressed.
Sukhbir Badal conveyed to the core committee that he had also been approached by farmers as well as farm organizations from adjoining States and that all of them had expressed apprehensions about the central ordinances and urged the SAD to take up their issues and grievances with the central leadership. “Taking this into account the SAD is also of the view that the concerns should be taken up for consideration by the centre”.
Meanwhile the core committee felt it was appropriate that the SAD President lead a delegation to discuss the concerns of the farmers with the central government. The delegation will hold meetings with the Union government as well as other likeminded parties to address the apprehensions of farmers in the coming days.
The core committee also passed a resolution that it would never compromise on the interest of farmers come what may. “Parkash Singh Badal remains the undisputed leader of the farmers of India. Farmers are the life and blood of our party. We have always fought to protect the interests of the farming community including farmers and ‘khet mazdoor’. We will continue to do so. No sacrifice is too big to ensure the future of our farmers is safeguarded”, the SAD President told members of the core committee.
Senior party leaders who attended the meeting of the core committee included Balwinder Singh Bhundar, Jathedar Tota Singh, Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra, Charanjit Singh Atwal, Nirmal Singh Kahlon, Maheshinder Singh Grewal, Gulzar Singh Ranike, Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Sikander Singh Maluka,Dr Daljit Singh Cheema, Hira Singh Gabria, Baldev Singh Mann, Jagmit Singh Brar and Manjinder Singh Sirsa.
