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The Supreme Court’s stay on implementation of the contentious farm laws is a “resounding moral defeat of the BJP government”, Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal tweeted after the court expressed concern over “lives and property of people affected” and criticised the centre for its apparent inability to resolve an agitation that has rumbled on for several weeks.
However, Badal also red-flagged the setting up of a committee of agricultural experts – all of whom have publicly backed the farm laws – to negotiate an amicable solution. The farmers were equally critical, saying “these members have been justifying the laws”.
“Today’s Supreme Court order on farmers’ issue is a resounding moral defeat of BJP government at the centre… (but) the committee formed by Supreme Court, comprising supporters of anti-farmer laws is a joke and unacceptable,” Badal tweeted.
Today’s Supreme Court order on farmers’ issue is a resounding moral defeat of BJP govt at the Centre.But @Akali_Dal_ has grave concerns over reports that GoI is pushing in mercenaries among agitating farmers to incite violence & defame the most honourable & civilised struggle.1/4
— Sukhbir Singh Badal (@officeofssbadal) January 12, 2021
The committee formed by SC, comprising supporters of #AntiFarmerActs, is a joke & unacceptable. It exposes the nexus between Punjab CM @capt_amarinder & BJP-led Centre. @Akali_Dal_ also objects to GoI allegations in SC that Khalistani elements have infiltrated the protest. 2/4
— Sukhbir Singh Badal (@officeofssbadal) January 12, 2021
The Akali Dal leader also expressed “grave concerns over reports the government is pushing mercenaries among agitating farmers to incite violence and defame the honourable struggle” and said the “Akali Dal objects to government allegations that Khalistani elements have infiltrated the protest”.
