The gross politicisation of the farmer laws has reached its apex today with the so-called ‘Bharat Bandh’ declared by the protestors. Scheduled for 4 hours from 11 am until 3 pm, the ‘Bandh’ is another effort to gain attention by the protestors on their cause, the subject matter of which seems to be unclear. However, with the government, common citizens and organisations of the country seemingly unbothered with this call, the ‘Bharat Bandh’ is on its way to being a major flop before it has even begun.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday slammed the opposition parties for politicising farm bills. He said, “The opposition parties are betraying the spirit of values, ideologies and principles in politics by unleashing anarchy in the name of opposing farm bills and extending support to Bharat Bandh call.”
Calling out to their double standards, he said, “Some political parties are trying to spoil the atmosphere, especially the present stand taken by them on model APMC Act shows their double standards.”
Adityanath further said that “Akali Dal, TMC, and Mulayam Singh had supported the APMC Act but now they are showing double standards. Those who are supporting the Bharat Bandh on 8th Dec should apologize to the farmers for misleading them over the Farm Laws.”
In this regard, it is pertinent to note, the central government has been having discussions with stakeholders and farmer groups and are prepared to meet the demands of the farmers in a just and fair manner. The central government is keen to swiftly resolve the matter to avoid any more inconvenience to the citizens. However, due to vested interests and politicisation of the matter, the stakeholders are adamant with their demands and are completely unwilling to meet the government halfway.
To ensure the safety and convenience of the common people as they carry on with their daily schedule during the ‘Bharat Bandh’, Yogi Adityanath has further directed the administration and police officers in the state to make adequate arrangements. He said, “Maintaining peace in the state is the top priority of the government. Directing the officials, UP CM said, “Make no compromise with law and order and peace under any circumstances.”
Under CM Adityanath’s watch, economic activities and other jobs will carry on in Uttar Pradesh unperturbed. Joining the anti-Bandh bandwagon, are Confederation Of All India Traders (CAIT) and All India Transporters Welfare Association (AITWA). Both organisations unequivocally stated that their members will not participate in the December 8 ‘Bharat Bandh’.
The associations said that their members across the country will open their premises and conduct business as usual and run normal transport services during the ‘Bharat Bandh’.
CAIT National President BC Bhartia, Secretary-General Praveen Khandelwal and AITWA Chairman Pradeep Singhal and National President Mahendra Arya said in the joint statement, “At a time when several rounds of talks have been held between the government and the farmer leaders, it is not appropriate to organise any bandh. We are of the confirmed opinion that the talks between the government and the farmer leaders will bear fruitful results.”
Both CAIT and AITWA appealed to the farmers to be aware of vested interests and also requested them to call back their bandh call and keep on holding talks with the government to resolve the issues.
Reiterating his stance, Khandelwal said, “There is no way to hold a ‘Bharat Bandh’ when talks are still on.”
It is worth noting that over 40,000 trader associations, who represent over seven crore traders across India, are functioning under the CAIT umbrella. This, coupled with the support of AITWA and most of the state governments, economic activities are bound to continue across the country undisturbed. Support of these important associations to the anti-Bandh bandwagon will ensure that the people are not inconvenienced in any way. Thus, the ‘Bharat Bandh’ will cause no discernible interference in the daily actives of the people.
