Rahul Gandhi Says New Farm Laws Are An Attack On Soul Of Every Farmer

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday kept up his attack on the central government over the recently enacted farm laws, and said these are a blatant attack on the soul of every farmer and that such legislations "weaken" the country's foundation.

"These three laws are an attack on the soul of every farmer of this country, they are an attack on their sweat and blood. And farmers and labourers of this country understand this,” he said.

Referring to his "tractor rallies" against the laws during his recent visit to Punjab and Haryana, Gandhi said, "I came to Punjab and Haryana a few days ago and every farmer and labourer know that these three laws are an attack on them."

He said he was happy that the Punjab government has decided to convene a special session of the Assembly on these laws on October 19 where MLAs will "decide about these farm laws".

Gandhi was delivering a virtual address at the launch of the second phase of 'Smart Village Campaign' in Punjab.

Rs 2,663 crore has been allocated to execute approximately 50,000 different development works under the campaign.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, some of his cabinet colleagues were among those present at the virtual launch.

Hitting out at the BJP-led central government over the farm laws, Gandhi said, "If we weaken the country's foundation, India will be weakened."

"When Congress party fights, we do that to protect and strengthen the foundation. This



is the difference between us and the central government. They talk of the building, but they thrust schemes from the top without talking to the panchayat and the people and their laws weaken India's foundation," he said.

"In the event that these laws were supportive of ranchers and workers, at that point for what reason did the legislature not permit a discussion before these were passed in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha? For what reason would they say they feared a discussion? The whole nation would have seen the discussion and chosen if these laws are for ranchers' advantage," he said. 

"In any case, in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, voice of India's ranchers was smothered. I am glad that in Punjab get together, ranchers, workers' voice will be heard in the unique meeting," said Gandhi. 

The three homestead bills - the Farmer's Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020, the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020 and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, 2020 - were passed by Parliament as of late. Thusly, President Ram Nath Kovind gave his consent to the bills.

The Congress, many other opposition parties and several farmers organisations have been protesting against these legislations, claiming that these will harm the interests of farmers and benefit corporates, a claim denied by the government.

The Centre has asserted that these new laws will be beneficial for farmers and will increase their income.