On behalf of farmer’s community, Rana Sodhi former Cabinet Minister, appeals PM to repeal Farm Bills
On behalf of farmer’s community, Rana Sodhi former Cabinet Minister, appeals PM to repeal Farm Bills
Ferozepur, October 24, 2021: Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi, MLA, Former Cabinet Minister Punjab appealed to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on behalf of the farmer’s community so that they may celebrate the festivals with their families and not on the roads.
Rana Sodhi said, the country has been witnessing the farmers protest for over a year now. While we have seen farmers stand united and determined to have their voices heard, there are also those hundreds of farmers who have lost their lives while fighting for their rights. It is most unfortunate that the protesting farmers continue to live in extreme conditions without essential and proper availability of sanitation and clean drinking water. Their persistence despite their continued plight has only shown their resolve that they will not settle down until a rational decision of repealing the controversial Farm Bills is agreed upon.
He made a request to the Prime Minister to reinitiate talks with the farmers and to withdraw these bills so that the farmers can return to their homes before the onset of the harsh winter. Also, considering that the festivities are approaching, it’ll only be fair that they celebrate the festival with their families and not on the roads.
Rana Sodhi further said, it is our basic empathy that they should be able to celebrate this Diwali with their families and the coming year with fulfilment and prosperity. If the central government waives the debts of small and marginal farmers, it would be a great and welcoming gesture on part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi led government.
He also sincerely urged that the families of the farmers who sacrificed their lives during this protest are extended financial assistance of Rs.50 lacs along with free education for their surviving children. Besides, all the cases/FIR’s filed against the farmers should be withdrawn with immediate effect to avoid any further mental, financial and physical harassment to their families, he added.
Rana Sodhi expressing his feelings said, “I am of the confidence that the farmers will welcome the decision of repealing these bills and will thank the Modi Government with open hearts and without any malice adding that the withdrawal of these bills in no way would reflect the weakness of the Central Government as argued by certain sections of the society, rather it would show that the Central Government to be large-hearted and magnanimous”.
Punjab & Punjabis have always been participative & forthcoming in any event related to securing the unity, peace & harmony of the country. Our farmers have suffered enough and it pains to see them fight this long endless battle, day in and day out and I earnestly request PM Modi Ji to kindly revisit the decision in favour and interest of our farmers, said former Cabinet Minister Rana Sodhi.
Adding to this request, he also urged the Chief Minister of Punjab Charanjit Singh Channi to further enhance the financial assistance from Rs.5 Lacs & the government job that was announced by the former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh Ji to Rs.50 lacs for the families of the deceased farmers of Punjab. This move will bring the entitlement of the farmers at par with the compensation you have extended to the Lakhimpur Kheri farmers who lost their lives during the protest.
