AAP govt supports demands of farmers: Arvind Kejriwal

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Friday congratulated farmers on the success of their movement and said their victory is the victory of democracy and the AAP government supports their demands.

The Delhi Assembly on Friday passed a resolution seeking repeal of the three farm laws, compensation to families of over 700 farmers who died during protests, and a legal guarantee of minimum support price of crops.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that the three farm laws against which the farmers were protesting will be repealed.

Replying to a discussion on a resolution tabled in the House to repeal the contentious farm laws, Kejriwal said in the Assembly, ''The victory of farmers is the victory of democracy. We support pending demands of farmers, we are with them'''.

The resolution was passed with a voice vote by the Assembly.

He said that the central government passed the three farm laws with "arrogance" due to its majority in Lok Sabha. ''The farmer laws were passed with arrogance due to the majority in Lok Sabha. Congratulate farmers for their success. All these who meant well for the countrymen, women, youth, traders — supported it. I especially congratulate farmers from Punjab who led the agitation,'' Kejriwal said in the House.

The resolution passed by the Assembly stated that the three central farm laws passed by the central government were against the interests of farmers and the public in general and were enacted to "favor a handful of business houses".

He said that farmers faced obstacles of Covid, inclement weather, and dengue to achieve success. ''It was longest non-violent movement. The ruling party (BJP) did everything to instigate them. They faced abuses, were termed as terrorists, Khalistani, agents of China and Pakistan. Water cannon was used, nails were used to stop them but they overcome it all. This movement enhanced confidence of people in a democracy that was shaken recently," Kejriwal said in the Assembly.

He said that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government did not allow turning stadiums into jails despite immense pressure.

The resolution also demanded the removal and arrest of Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Mishra in connection with the Lakhimpur incident. ''Union minister Ajay Mishra should be immediately sacked. I do not understand what is Centre's compulsion not to remove him. Cases against farmers should be withdrawn," Kejriwal demanded.