I had written this in my blog of 02 Dec last year.....
"One thing is certain; change has to come about in our agricultural practices, which are becoming more & more outdated, looking at individual aspirations. We want to live in a democracy with complete freedom, sometimes even archaic freedom; our aspirations can only be met through capitalism, but we want socialism. No socialist country can guarantee freedoms and yet satisfy people's growing aspirations. China has done well on human prosperity, but the citizens have very limited freedom. We are at cross roads. It is a difficult time. All of us have to re-think on what we want from life, as a nation. Resolution of grievances should be under rule of law, or else anti national elements will take over. Govt & some farmer reps have had three rounds of talks."
My views on withdrawal of the farm laws today, are as follows. An ausicious day of Gurpurab waa chosen to indicate that the laws were not anti-Sikh.
The withdrawal of farm laws is a political decision, as the govt is politically isolated. Sad that a consensus could not be built on an issue that genuinely affects a major art of our population that needed these reforms. That being said, I feel it is a delayed but prudent decision, considering national security issues. The farm laws were turned into a Hindu vs Sikh issue by vested interests; no Sikh politician could be seen siding with the laws.
Amarinder's breakup with Congress paved the way for BJP to align with him. He has declared that now the way is cleared for him to tie-up with BJP. He will come back as CM of Punjab, with an alliance with BJP. Congress and AAP will now see the political landscape change in Punjab.
Overall, I feel it is a delayed, political, but wise decision in national interest. Unfortunately, people who needed the laws the most will continue to suffer for a few more years. Change has to come; free electricity, fertiliser subsidies, loan waivers are political short term gimmicks. Aspirational India needs laws not political largesse, as practised thus far.
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