'Calling farmers anti-national an insult': SAD chief backs Parkash Badal's step, slams BJP

On Thursday, SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal opined that his far Parkash Singh Badal returned  Padma Vibhushan to send a "strong mess" to Centre. Maintaining that former CM fought for farmers throughout his entire life, he slammed  Union government for "forcing" agrarian reform laws on m. Badal lamented that BJP was attributing a pro-Khalistan nda to ongoing farmers' protests.

According to him, farmers were being insulted by being called "anti-national". Stepping up his attack on BJP, SAD president alleged that people who are calling m "anti-national" are ones working against interests of country. His party quit NDA in protest against pass of  Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020,  Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020 and  Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, 2020.

Read: Centre To Address Farmers' Concerns One-by-one & Leave Option For panel; Won't Repeal Laws

Read: Amid Farmers-Haryana Police Clash At Border, SAD Chief Draws Shocking Parallel With 26/11

Parkash Singh Badal expresses anguish over farmers' struggle

In his letter to President Ram Nath Kovind, Parkash Singh Badal expressed shock at contempt in which Centre is treating protests against farm laws. Accusing government of going back on its assurance given to SAD, he termed it as "most embarrassing moment" in his long political career. Moreover, he lamented that farmers have been forced to w a bitter struggle for fundamental right to live despite ir crucial role in turning India into a food exporting country.

former Chief Minister alleged that SAD was "mocked" for seeking debt relief for farmers at a juncture when corporate loans are waived off. Badal stressed that he saw point in holding on to Padma award as farmer has lost more than his hour. Maintaining that India owes a huge debt to its farmers, he urged President to win confidence of farmers and strengn secular democratic fabric of nation. thousands of protesting farmers have raised concerns about future of APMC and MSP. Currently,  fourth round of talks between Centre and farmer unions is underway at Vigyan Bhawan in national capital. 

Read: CM Amarinder & Centre Playing Fixed Match; PM Should Assure Farmers: SAD's Sukhbir Badal