It is nearly three months since farmers started protest against the Modi government’s new farm laws. Considerable time has passed but still, there is no breakthrough. Neither the government nor the farmers are ready to step back.
To talk about this agitation journalist Anurag Sason has an in-depth conversation with Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) Delhi president Virender Dagar.
Here are important excerpts from the exclusive interview: (Scroll down to watch the complete interview in Hindi/हिंदी में पूरा साक्षात्कार देखने के लिए नीचे स्क्रॉल करें)
Q1) What farmers exactly want?
Virender Dagar: Our demands are MSP for the farmers and repeal of new farm laws.
Q2) Neither the government nor the farmers are ready to step back. How this agitation will end?
Virender Dagar: Modi government has to accept our demand. No organisation or farmers demanded these kinds of laws then why the government has come up with such laws? There should be a law on MSP.
Q3) Modi Government offered to postpone new farm laws for 1.5 years. Why are you not accepting this move of the government?
Virender Dagar: What is the point of suspending laws for 1.5 years? Even after 1.5 years, these laws will have the same problem. We want a permanent solution.
Q4) At a Kisan Mahapanchayat, BKU leader Rakesh Tikait urged farmers to give importance to the agitation and, if need be, destroy their crops. Don’t you think it will cost you dearly?
Virender Dagar: If needed, all farmers are ready to destroy their crops.
Q5) Modi government is saying that it is ready to talk, farmers are also open to conversation. If both are ready to talk then why this protest?
Virender Dagar: Farmers are always ready to talk. There is a flaw full intention on the part of the government.
Q6) Do you accept that the violence on 26th January was wrong?
Virender Dagar: Yes, it’s totally wrong and those responsible must face the heat.
Q7) There are allegations that this kissan protest has turned political in nature. Your reactions to this.
Virender Dagar: No it’s not like that. Whoever comes to help us we welcome them.
Q8) What are your future plans?
Virender Dagar: We will not return home until the new farm laws are not taken back.
About the author: Anurag Sason is journalist with more than 7 years of experience in mainstream journalism. He has worked in newspaper, news agency, TV and digital media. Presently, he is working as Senior Editor-News in Likee app. He tweets at @AnuragSason
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Disclaimer: Interview is taken in personal capacity
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