Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar has expressed sympathy with the farmers by appearing in front of the media amid the farmers' protest. During this, Jakhar targeted Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann who was mediating between the farmers and the Union Ministers. Besides, questions were also raised on the reply filed by the Punjab Government in the Supreme Court in the matter of stubble burning. He cautioned the ‘Delhi Chalo’ protesting farmers against being used as political pawns by “so-called mediators”.
He is also optimistic about the farmers’ 4th round of talks with the Union Government, in which Mann is likely to play the role of a mediator. Jakhar appelaed to the farmers to beware of “such mediators” in his first reaction over the protest at Shambhu and Khanauri border between Punjab and Haryana.
Jakhar targeted the current Punjab CM without naming him as Mann acts as the advocate for the farmers. He says that he is confident about the motives of the Union Ministers deputed by the Prime Minister, however can’t say anything about the intention of the mediators. Earlier, the Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar had targeted some words towards the protesting farmers showing doubts behind their motives saying, “Daal mein kuch kala hai” (Something fishy is going on). Jakhar shared the sentiments of the Haryana CM, saying that he agrees.
When asked about the protest outside his house in Abohar (Fazilka Distt.), he said that the farmers have every right to protest in order to get their voices heard.
The farmers have had 3 meetings with the Union ministers in Chandigarh, with Bhagwant Mann being present at them as mediator. The meetings had however remained inconclusive, but with the latest meeting ending on a positive note, according to the ministers. A 4th meeting is scheduled today (Sunday).