Daijiworld Media Network - Karkala (SP)

Karkala, Dec 23: "In the name of farmers, protest is being carried out at Delhi against farm policies after two to three months since they were implemented. It is apparent that political and anti-national forces have joined hands with the protesters. One of the demands of the protesters is the release of Khalistan terrorists which is a worrying feature of the protest. Because it is an issue that can pose challenges to the nation," said Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Shobha Karandlaje. She was addressing a press meet here on Tuesday December 22.

"The notion that the protest is backed by anti-national elements is supported by the open support announced by Canada to farmers’ protests. In the parliament of that country, 18 among the 338 parliamentarians are Sikhs. Under their pressure, that country has made this announcement. This is an act of treason," she said.

The MP pointed out that the left front speaks a lot about the agricultural policies, but Kerala where the left front government is ruling, does not have Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMC). She recalled that before implementing the amendments to farm policies, the central government had held widespread discussions on it and representatives of all the parties including the Congress had participated. She wondered why they are protesting now.

Branding the protesters at Delhi as urban naxals, Shobha said that party workers will take up the task of educating every farmer about the benefits of the farm bill.

She said that regarding the implementation of Katurirangan report, the chief minister has assured that steps would be taken to make sure that the farmers do not face any problems.