Centre's decision to repeal farm laws seem to be an election gimmick: Farmer leader

Palghar, Maharashtra: Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait today said the Centre's announcement on repealing the three farm laws seems to be an election gimmick.

Speaking to news agency ANI, Rakesh Tikait said, "This decision also seems to be an election gimmick, given the manner in which the graph of Centre is going down and their image is getting affected. They are working under the pressure of the companies, only to benefit them."

The Bhartiya Kisan Union leaders threatened to continue the farmers' agitation till the laws are officially repealed in Parliament.

"Farmers will continue to agitate until the laws are taken back in Parliament. MSP Guarantee Act has to be formed. This is a victory of farmers. The victory is dedicated to more than 750 farmers who died and to tribals, workers and women who became a part of this agitation," he added.

Meanwhile, Akhilesh Yadav, Samajwadi Party chief and former Chief Minister who has emerged as the principal challenge to the BJP in UP, said the Modi government could not be trusted, that they could bring back the laws after the elections. "These people think this fake apology will return them to power but the people understand all this. The laws have been repealed for votes. How will the murderers of Lakhimpur be brought to justice," he said.

Shiv Sena leader and Member of Parliament Sanjay Raut while welcoming the decision, alleged that the Centre decided to withdraw the laws due to the fear of defeat in Assembly polls to Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.

"Today the government has to withdraw all three agricultural laws. They have been withdrawn because of politics. Still, I welcome the decision. However, these laws have been withdrawn due to the fear of defeat in the elections of Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. There was pressure on the government and in the end, the farmers have won," said Mr Raut.

In a major move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today announced the repealing of the three Central farm laws.

Notably, the announcement of the repeal of the three farm laws comes ahead of the crucial Assembly elections in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur scheduled to be held early next year.

Among these states, farmers from Punjab and Uttar Pradesh were protesting across Delhi's borders for the past one year.

Farmers from Punjab, Haryana and UP had arrived at the Delhi border on November 26, 2020, demanding the repeal of three farm laws - The Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Act and The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act.