"Democracy allows everyone right to voice their opinion": Hooda slams BJP's handling of farmer protests

Rohtak (Haryana) [India], December 8 (ANI): Bhupinder Singh Hooda, former Chief Minister of Haryana, slammed the BJP-government's approach in dealing with farmers participating in the 'Dilli Chalo' march after tensions flared at the Haryana-Punjab Sambhu border on Sunday.
The Congress leader deemed the government's actions, such as the use of tear gas and water cannons, undemocratic in preventing farmers from voicing their concerns.
Hooda also underlined that the government must engage in dialogue to address the issues farmers are facing and find immediate solutions.
"Democracy allows everyone the right to voice their opinion. Stopping farmers from expressing their views is undemocratic, and if anyone takes the law into their own hands, it is unacceptable," the Congress leader said, while adding, "First, they said not to go on tractors, and the farmers responded by saying, 'Fine, we will go on foot, but we will express our opinions.' The government should immediately solve their problems after talking to them," he said.
Hooda then highlighted the difficulties farmers are facing, pointing out issues such as a shortage of fertilizers and urea for irrigation. "When farmers need fertilizer for sowing, there is no DAP. When they need irrigation, there is no urea, and crops get damaged. When they need to buy from the market, it's not available. These are the problems farmers are facing. The government should address these issues and find solutions," he added.
Referring to the ongoing MSP (Minimum Support Price) issue, Hooda stated, "The central government is supposed to provide this (MSP). They (Central government) say they are giving MSP for 24 crops, but the reality is different. During the elections, the Chief Minister had promised Rs 3,100 per quintal for paddy, but now the rate is Rs 2,320, and farmers are getting even less than that, with deductions of Rs 100, Rs 200, or Rs 300. If you are claiming MSP for 24 crops, tell me where it is. In Haryana, there are only two crops for which MSP is given. This is a political lie."
Hooda further added, "I believe if anyone is breaking the law, it is the responsibility of the government to act. In a democracy, the government should not silence people's voices. Problems should be solved through dialogue. The government set up an MSP committee years ago, but it has not taken any action yet."
The Congress party, Hooda mentioned, has a clear stance on supporting farmers. "The Congress has a clear stance on this. We passed a law guaranteeing MSP to every farmer, ensuring that the prices of crops will be determined by a legal formula. The Congress party will support the farmers' demand."
Hooda slammed the ongoing claims made by BJP leaders, including Man Singh, Moti, and others, who continue to target the Congress party, particularly him and Deepender Hooda. He mentioned that despite their criticism, the people are 'well aware' of the truth.
Further as per Hooda, BJP leaders boast of achievements like the metro project, but he pointed out that the metro project was planned during the Congress government's tenure, and he alleged that the BJP had not delivered anything new in the past 10 years. He also urged the BJP to focus on preparing for upcoming local body elections rather than getting caught up in irrelevant issues. (ANI)