In an interview with injured farmer Gurmeet Singh, who was taking part in the “Delhi Chalo” march, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the Modi government’s “dictatorial attitude” towards the country’s farmers.
The phone call took place on Tuesday evening, thanks to Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Raja Warring, who had visited a government hospital in Rajpura town following altercations between farmers and Haryana Police.
Phone conversation with the injured protestor
He said, “Talked on phone to former soldier Gurmeet Singh ji, who was seriously injured in police atrocities during the farmers’ movement. He is a youth as well as a farmer – instead of hailing him, this dictatorial attitude of the Modi government towards the country’s protector and food provider is putting democracy to shame,” Gandhi claimed.
He asked how Singh was doing and offered his support for the nonviolent movement that was fighting for their rights.
Singh’s status as a young farmer was emphasised by Gandhi, who also denounced the Modi government’s treatment of the nation’s guardian and food supplier, saying it belittles democracy. As they attempted to breach barricades on their protest march towards the nation’s capital, farmers engaged in combat with Haryana Police on Tuesday at two state borders. They police used water cannons and tear gas on the protestors.
Support towards the farmer protestors
Gandhi assured the farmer, “We are with you,” and showed solidarity by rejecting the police action as wholly incorrect. Be at ease. He gave Singh a “Shabash” (Well done) and best wishes, praising his devotion to the nation.
Leaders of farmers in Punjab and Haryana claimed 60 injuries from tear gas shells at border crossings on Tuesday, accusing the Centre of launching a “attack” on protestors. In addition, protesters’ stone-throwing caused 24 police personnel to sustain injuries, including a deputy superintendent.
by Swapnil Angel Samad