The three farm laws and the apparent impasse on resolution of the misunderstanding between the government and the protesting farmers got discussed in the Upper House, the Rajya Sabha.
What did the leaders discuss?
Mahua Moitra
Mahua Moitra’s speech was an efficient, power-packed, and a rousing call-to-action with a list of bullet points to think about.
She commented Chief Justice of India who was accused of sexual harassment and then presided over his own trial. Her analysis was that “sacred cow” of Judiciary is no longer sacred.
The leader questioned the veracity of government’s economic report, and challenges that if the government’s report can be believed, then in the two-year span of 2020 and 2021, the economic growth of the nation will be flat. She forgot to mention that the pandemic was a devastating blow to all nations of the world, and not only India, because to save people, lockdown had to be initiated.
She further blamed the government for initiating a nationwide-lockdown within four hours. She brought to attention the plight of the millions of labourers who were left high and dry as a consequence.
She lambasted the ministry for going after international public figures namely Greta Thunberg and Rihanna. Again, she forgot to mention the toolkit developed by one of these public figures where an explicit agenda was to defame the image of India on international stage.
She concluded her speech with an ultimatum to the government. Regarding the farm laws, “Repeal or nothing.”
Harsimrat Badal
The leader from Akali Dal who had left Narendra Modi’s cabinet to express her displeasure over the farm laws challenged the government.
She claimed that Narendra Modi called farmers “parasites”. She has called to attention the utter disregard the government is showing towards an important section of the society – the farmers.
She reminds everyone that the farmers are braving the cold at Delhi’s borders but why is government blind and deaf to their travails.
Further, she made known her shock at the use of lathis and tear gas at the unarmed farmers.
She raises the issue of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi making a u-turn on his policy. To elaborate, Harsimrat Badal states that when the latter was Chief Minister, he wanted to secure farmers with Minimum Support Price (MSP), but now as the Prime Minister, he is singing a different tune.
In addition, she also questioned the silencing of media personnel, “When somebody writes the truth, you jail them.”
To bring home her points she brought photographs also.
Asaduddin Owaisi
The leader challenged the government, beginning his speech with discussion on China. He mentions ground realities of China extending its reach in the border regions, specifically establishing a village in Indian territory. The leader asked reasons for the government’s shyness in even mentioning the name of its neighbour.
Then, the leader focused on farmers and contrasted the government’s handling of its farmers and its aggressive neighbour. He quoted a song in which he requests the government to not break the illusion, and to keep up the appearances of being a strong nation that takes care of its citizens.
Bhagwant Mann
The leader clarified that now this agitation is not alone of specific states namely Punjab or Haryana, but is a matter of the entire nation. Further, he asked why is the government questioning the funding of the pious ritual of langar?
He is adamant that the government repeal the bills. He also quashed the government’s negotiations, claiming that if the eleven rounds of talks have not been able to convince the individuals most directly affected by the three farm laws, why the utter reluctance to repeal the laws?
He indirectly pleaded pardon of the men who assaulted the Red Fort on the Republic Day and challenged the police action against them.
He even challenged to throw away his official status as a Member of Parliament if that meant subverting the interests of his people.
All in all, the government has been presented with many points for the government to consider.