BJP MP Varun Gandhi calls for engaging with protesting farmers, draws support from Jayant Chaudhary
New Delhi, Sep 5: BJP MP Varun Gandhi on Sunday described farmers, who have been protesting against three farm laws, as "our own flesh and blood" and suggested that the government should re-engage with them in reaching common ground.
His remarks, which drew support from RLD leader Jayant Chaudhary, came as a large number of farmers gathered for a mahapanchayat organised by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) at the Government Inter College ground in Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh.
"Lakhs of farmers have gathered in protest today in Muzaffarnagar. They are our own flesh and blood. We need to start re-engaging with them in a respectful manner: understand their pain, their point of view and work with them in reaching common ground," Gandhi tweeted, posting a short video of the large crowd.
The mahapanchyat comes ahead of the crucial Uttar Pradesh assembly polls next year.
Praising Gandhi, Chaudhary said "Appreciate what Varun bhai is saying but look at what BJP MLA from Khurja, Uttar Pradesh, is commenting. Though deeper tests required, at the very least, Vijendra should get his eyesight tested. Or he could visit some villages in his constituency and repeat this absurd statement."
The RLD leader was refereeing to a BJP MLA tweet questioning the nationalist credentials of the protesting farmers. He deleted the tweet later.
Gandhi's MP mother Maneka Gandhi retweeted his son's tweet.
Wary of the political fallout of the agitation, which has been spearheaded by the politically and socially strong Jat community in western Uttar Pradesh, the BJP has been cautious in its handling of the agitation despite the protesting leaders being trenchant in their criticism of the government.
The party had asked Union Minister Meenakshi Lekhi to tender an apology after she had referred to a section of protestors as "mawali" (ruffians).
The Centre had held talks with the protesting farmer unions but in vain as they did not agree to their demand of withdrawing the three farm laws.
The government has insisted that these Acts have given farmers new opportunity to sell their produce and rejected the criticism that they are aimed at doing away with the minimum support price regime and farm mandis.
Lakhs of farmers have gathered in protest today, in Muzaffarnagar. They are our own flesh and blood. We need to start re-engaging with them in a respectful manner: understand their pain, their point of view and work with them in reaching common ground. pic.twitter.com/ZIgg1CGZLn
— Varun Gandhi (@varungandhi80) September 5, 2021
Appreciate what Varun bhai is saying but look at what BJP MLA from #Khurja, Uttar Pradesh is commenting!
— Jayant Chaudhary (@jayantrld) September 5, 2021
Though deeper tests required, at the very least, Vijendra should get his eyesight tested! Or he could visit some villages in his constituency & repeat this absurd statement! pic.twitter.com/sfWRxEmBcy
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Dharwad Corporation zonal offices raided after complaints of corruption in issuing land records
Hubballi: Karnataka Lokayukta officials on Friday conducted raids at multiple zonal offices of the Hubballi-Dharwad City Corporation following complaints alleging bribery and delay in issuing land-related documents, including e-Swathu records.
The raids were carried out in the morning under the leadership of Siddalingappa S.T.. Separate teams inspected 12 zonal offices of the Corporation and examined records linked to land ownership and document processing.
According to sources, the Lokayukta received complaints from members of the public alleging that Corporation officials were demanding bribes for issuing e-Swathu and other land documents.
Residents reportedly alleged that applications were being deliberately delayed if bribes were not paid.
Based on these complaints, officials carried out inspections of files and records connected to land ownership and issuance of documents.
Further investigation is underway.
