Opposition boycotting President's address strong reason to withdraw farm laws: Trinamool

NEW DELHI: During the all-party meeting in the Parliament on Saturday, in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also present, Trinamool Congress MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay tore into the BJP, saying that several opposition parties boycotting President Ram Nath Kovind's address to the Parliament on Friday was a strong message to withdraw the three Central farm laws.

Earlier during the meeting, Modi had said that the government still stood by the proposal given to the protesting farmers of suspending the three farm laws for 18 months. The Prime Minister assured that the government is approaching the farmers' issue with an open mind.

Modi said, "The government's stand is the same as it was during the meeting on January 22 - the proposal made by the Union Agriculture Minister still stands."

Bandyopadhyay said, "Several opposition parties boycotted President's address. It is a strong message for the government to withdraw the farm laws."

Along with the Congress, 17 opposition parties had announced to boycott the President's address on Friday to express their solidarity with the farmers who have been protesting against the three Central farm laws since November 26 on the borders of Delhi and in other parts of the country.

Bandyopadhyay also said that the Prime Minister must convene a meeting of all the party leaders and discuss the matter. "That will be a good message to show that the government is democratic," he said.

Referring to Kovind's remarks during his address on Friday, the Trinamool leader said that the standing committee on food and consumer affairs and public distribution is discussing the 'one nation-one ration card' policy, and the report is yet to be submitted.

"But we were surprised when the President said that the policy has already been introduced. This has to be clarified - the committee had taken it up with all priority just 15 days back," he said.

He also raised the issue of unemployment and said that the hungry youth are fighting and they must be shown a path. "Let us hold a comprehensive debate in the House over the issue," he said.

The Trinamool MP further said that the philosophy of our federal structure system needs a thorough review. (IANS)

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