BJP ally threatens to quit coalition over farm laws

New Delhi : After the Akali Dal broke off ties with the ruling BJP, another ally has threatened to quit the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) over farm laws. In a tweet addressed to Home Minister Amit Shah, Rajasthan MP Hanuman Beniwal, chief of the Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP), has demanded that three new agricultural laws at the core of massive farmer protests near Delhi be scrapped.

Mr Beniwal also urged the BJP-led central government to talk to the farmers immediately instead of Thursday, when a second round of ministerial talks has been scheduled over the protests.

Prominent sportspersons from Punjab and Haryana have extended their support to them, while some others have implored them to assist the Central government in finding a solution to the contentious issue.

"Everyone should be the voice of 'anna data' farmers who fill everyone's stomach and are fighting for their survival. Do your politics later. We are the sons of farmers. Our conscience is still alive," wrote India's top wrestler Bajrang Punia, who belongs to Haryana.

Terming the farmers' fight against the farm laws as just, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh asked the Centre why it was being adamant on the issue and not listening to the farmers.

"It is the job of the government to listen to its people. If farmers are joining the agitation from so many states, then they must be really upset," said the Chief Minister while interacting informally with the media during his visit to the historic town. Bihar CM Nitish Kumar said that they should talk to the Centre to sort out the confusion over the new agri bills.