Rahul Gandhi made an announcement on Tuesday stating that the Congress party will provide a legal assurance to every farmer, guaranteeing that they will receive the minimum support price (MSP) for their crops as recommended by the Swaminathan Commission. This guarantee from the Congress leader comes at a time when around 200 farmer unions have organized the ‘Delhi Chalo March’ to put pressure on the government to fulfill their demands, including a legal guarantee for the MSP. Rahul Gandhi described this announcement as a “historic” step that will positively impact the lives of 15 crore farmer families, ensuring their prosperity.
He emphasized that this guarantee is the Congress party’s first step towards justice. Mallikarjun Kharge, the Congress chief, also echoed similar assurances during an event as part of the ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ in Chhattisgarh’s Ambikapur district. He stated that if the Congress comes to power after the Lok Sabha polls, they will ensure a legal guarantee for the MSP in the interest of farmers. The ongoing farmers’ protest saw police using tear gas and water cannons to prevent large groups of farmers from entering Haryana through the Khanauri border in Jind district.
Similar police action was witnessed earlier at the Shambhu border in Haryana’s Ambala. In response to the protest, the Punjab and Haryana High Court remarked that the issue should be resolved amicably and the use of force should be the last resort. The court acknowledged the protesters’ right to express themselves while emphasizing the government’s duty to protect its citizens and minimize inconvenience caused to them.