Farmers’ protest in India has crossed more than 200 days. Still, the Modi Government and farmers (who are protesting against New Farms Laws) have not reached an amicable solution. Neither the Government of India (GOI) nor farmers are ready to step back! Now, the question remains what will happen next? To talk about it and other matters related to farmers’ protest, Anurag Sason has an in-depth conversation with Yudhvir Singh, general secretary, Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU).
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) Will the second wave of COVID affect farmers’ protest?
Yudhvir Singh: See, this is a pandemic and we cannot take it lightly. It may have some minor influence. But if anyone thinks that due to COVID farmers will stop their protest then they are totally mistaken. We are educating farmers about COVID norms like social distancing and the use of sanitizer.
Q2) Will the upcoming harsh summer weather affect farmers’ protest in north India?
Yudhvir Singh: Farmers are used to working in any weather condition. All weather conditions are normal for farmers.
Q3) After the tragic Republic Day violence, has the Modi Government tried to get in touch with protesting farmers so that an amicable solution can be reached?
Yudhvir Singh: There are two types of communication-official and non-official. After the Republic Day violence, there was no official communication but unofficially we were in touch. However, after the election notification, the entire priority of the Modi Government shifted to Bengal. We understand that till 2nd May (date of announcement of poll results) the priority of the government is the West Bengal election. After that, we hope that the conversation will start again. Let’s see what will happen then.
Q4) It is being said that farmers’ protest has taken political colour? How far is this true?
Yudhvir Singh: It is totally wrong. When we had Congress government at the centre, that time also we were protesting. Now we have the Modi Government and now also we are raising our demands. We have completely saved this movement from politics.
Q5) What do you think, why Modi Government is not listening to your demand?
Yudhvir Singh: This is Modi Government’s arrogance. The centre thinks it is supreme and above the people of the country. This type of arrogance is rarely seen in Indian politics. Modi government is taking Kisan Andolan (farmers’ protest) as a joke. The government is closing mandis.
Q6) Modi government is saying that opposition is misguiding misleading farmers. Your reaction on this.
Yudhvir Singh: It is false. Farmers are not fool. They are not misguided by any opposition party.
Q7) Which government is better to rule at the Centre BJP or Congress?
Yudhvir Singh: This condition of farmers has not happened in the past one year. Farmers have been neglected for a long time. The difference between Congress and BJP is-Congress used to come under pressure of protests and halted its actions. But this BJP shamelessly passed the laws during COVID time and forced the same on people!
Q8) What are future plans?
Yudhvir Singh: We are making plans and we will only return home when we win.
WATCH INTERVIEW
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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