Chennai: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday appealed to the Centre to repeal the new farm laws and said farmers are protesting for their survival.
In his second visit to the Singhu border, where thousands of farmers have been protesting against the laws since November last week, Kejriwal said, ‘I challenge any Union minister to have an open debate with the farmers and it will be clear how harmful these laws are’.
The Chief Minister had first visited Singhu on the Delhi-Haryana border on 7 December.
“More than 40 people have lost their lives here. Today, through this platform, and at such a sacred place, I want to appeal to the central government with folded hands to repeal these farm laws. These are our people, our brothers, sisters, mothers and elders. These are the people of our nation, listen to them, and end their struggle here. How many lives will you take?” he said.
Kejriwal, who is also the Aam Aadmi Party’s national convener, claimed that through these laws, corporates will take over the country’s farming sector.
“What will the farmers do if you take farming away from them? The farmers who are sitting on the borders today with their elders and children are sitting here for their survival. If the big companies take over farming, the farmers will be left with nothing,” he said.
Kejriwal said ministers, big leaders and some chief ministers have been speaking in support of these laws.
“I heard all their speeches, but I have not heard even a single leader talking about how these farm laws benefit farmers,” he said.
Kejriwal claimed that the only benefit the Centre tells is farmers will be able to sell their produce anywhere in the country outside of mandis.
He said the whole country is divided- one side wants to benefit the rich by harming farmers, and the second is standing with farmers without caring for the rich.