Image source - indiatoday.in
Farmers from various parts of the country are protesting at Delhi borders against the three farm laws brought by the Center, alleging that the legislation will hamper farming. In a joint statement, the leaders of 12 opposition parties including the Congress, Trinamool Congress, Left parties, SP, NCP and DMK backed the call for a nationwide protest. There are 5 sitting CMs among the signatories.
The joint statement demands the repeal of the three new farm laws. Citing a letter written by opposition leaders to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 12, the statement says the Center must repeal farm laws to "protect lakhs of our annadatas becoming victims of the pandemic".
Earlier this month, Samyukta Kisan Morcha leader Balbir Singh Rajewal had issued the call for a 'black day' to be observed.
"On May 26, we will complete six months of this protest and it also happens to mark seven years since PM Modi formed the government. We will observe it as black day,"
An umbrella outfit comprising 40 farmers' unions, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha has been camping at three sites on Delhi's borders demanding repeal of the farm laws. Legal entitlement of MSP, a minimum support price at which they can sell their produce, is also one of their demands.
The central government has held at least 12 rounds of formal talks with the farmers' union and even decided to put the laws on hold for six months. However, farmer leaders have refused to back down unless the three farm laws are repealed.