Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has once again raised his voice against the central government, accusing it of attempting to reintroduce the controversial farm laws that were officially revoked last year. In a statement made on social media, Kejriwal claimed that the Centre is trying to implement these laws through backdoor tactics, circumventing the formal processes that led to their repeal.
The three farm laws—designed to overhaul the agricultural market system in India—were met with widespread protests by farmers, particularly from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, who feared the laws would weaken the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system and expose them to market manipulation by large corporates. In response to the protests, the Modi government repealed the laws in November 2021, but the issue remains contentious.
Kejriwal, who has been vocal in his support for farmers’ rights, expressed concern that the Centre is now attempting to bring back provisions from these laws through alternative policies and administrative orders. He said, “The government’s backdoor attempts to impose these laws again will be detrimental to the farmers of this country. They are trying to bypass the democratic process that led to the laws being repealed.”
The Delhi CM’s comments come amid reports suggesting that the government may be exploring avenues such as state-level agricultural reforms, regulatory changes in the private sector, and modifications to existing laws to achieve similar outcomes. Kejriwal’s statements have reignited debates within political circles, with opposition parties accusing the BJP-led government of undermining farmers' interests.
Farmer unions, which played a crucial role in the 2020-2021 farmers’ protests, have also expressed concerns. Many leaders have claimed that the Centre is still trying to promote pro-corporate policies at the expense of farmers. Kejriwal's remarks were backed by several farmer unions, who have vowed to stay vigilant and resist any such attempts to undermine the MSP system or reduce the bargaining power of farmers.
Kejriwal’s party, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has consistently positioned itself as a champion of the farmer’s cause, particularly in Delhi, where it has implemented various welfare schemes for the agricultural community. The AAP government in Delhi has been at odds with the Centre on multiple issues, including the management of air quality, public health policies, and now, agricultural reforms.
In response to Kejriwal’s accusations, BJP leaders have dismissed the allegations, calling them baseless and politically motivated. They argue that the government is committed to supporting farmers through the implementation of various welfare schemes and subsidies, and that any reforms in agriculture will be done in consultation with all stakeholders, including the farmers’ unions.
