Ajayvir Singh Lalpura condemns govt’ ‘action’ against farmers
Bahadurjeet Singh/Rupnagar, March 4, 2025
Ajayvir Singh Lalpura, District President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Rupnagar, has expressed deep concern over the recent treatment of farmers in Punjab. He stated that ahead of the proposed protest in Chandigarh on March 5, several farmer leaders have been detained or placed under house arrest, which is a violation of democratic rights.
Lalpura emphasized that farmers have the constitutional right to peaceful assembly under Article 19(1)(b) of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the freedom to assemble peacefully without arms. Additionally, Article 21 ensures the protection of life and personal liberty. The United Nations also recognizes the right to peaceful protest as a fundamental human right. Despite these protections, the Punjab government is infringing upon these basic rights.
He highlighted a recent incident where Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann walked out of a meeting with farmer leaders following a heated exchange over their demands.
Lalpura also pointed out that agriculture and law and order are subjects under the State List, making it the responsibility of the Punjab government to address farmers’ issues and maintain public order. In contrast, the central government has always engaged in dialogue with farmers, exemplified by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to repeal the three farm laws in response to farmers’ concerns.
The Prime Minister has never disrespected farmers, whereas the AAP government’s current approach is dismissive and disrespectful.
The central government’s invitation to farmers for talks and leaders like Dallewal agreeing to receive medical aid are positive steps. However, the Punjab government’s harsh stance is exacerbating the situation. The BJP stands firmly with the farmers and strongly condemns the undemocratic actions of the AAP government. The Punjab government should immediately release all detained farmers and engage in meaningful dialogue. If the state government continues to ignore the demands of Punjab’s farmers, we will initiate a larger movement to ensure justice.
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