Chandigarh, Dec 9 (IANS) Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal on Thursday congratulated the farmers for their historic victory whereby they had not only forced the BJP-led Central government to repeal the three agricultural laws, but had also paved the way for making the minimum support price (MSP) a legal right.
In a statement here, the SAD President said the win on the borders of Delhi was a win for the entire farming community of the country.
"The 'annadaata' has given a clear-cut message to the rulers of the country that no laws can be framed on agriculture without taking them into confidence."
Badal also welcomed the decision of the farmers to return back to their homes in Punjab, saying "Your steadfast resolve as well as the peaceful and democratic manner in which you conducted your one-year long agitation will be remembered for years to come. Farmers of tomorrow will remember the sacrifices made by you today."
He also commemorated the deaths of 800 farmers who sacrificed their lives for the common good.
Asserting that SAD had done its utmost for the Kisani Sangharsh and would continue to fight for the rights of the farming community, Badal said: "We resigned from the Union ministry and even quit the NDA when we realised the Central government was not sincere towards farmers and was not addressing their apprehensions. SAD workers supported the Kisani Sangharsh wholeheartedly and will stand with farmers always."
Among other questions, the MPs had sought to know the number of cases registered against farmers in connection with the agitation; the data on the number of farmers who died during the agitation held in and around the National Capital; and whether the government proposes to provide financial assistance to the kin of farmers who died during the said agitation.
A day after the three contentious farm laws were repealed by the Parliament, the government on Tuesday reached out to the agitating farmers, asking them to suggest five names to be included in a committee to be formed to discuss farm related issues, including MSP.
Pakistan Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry and members of the Sikh community expressed annoyance over the fashion photoshoot at the Kartarpur shrine, Pakistan Observer reported.
Popularly known as 'langar baba', Jagdish Lal Ahuja, who was battling cancer, had been serving free food in the langar -- the practice of a free community kitchen and open to all -- across Chandigarh since 1981.
The Bill was passed by a voice just as it was passed by the Lok Sabha two hours earlier. When the Rajya Sabha assembled at 2 p.m., the Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar moved the motion in the Rajya Sabha.
Delhi Education Minister Manish Sisodia on Monday once again asked the Congress-led Punjab government for the details of the 250 government schools to compare the education models of both the states.
