As the Delhi Assembly Elections come closer, the face-off between BJP and AAP continues with both pointing to the other’s loopholes. On the same note, a war of words broke out between Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Delhi Chief Minister Atishi on Thursday over the non-implementatꦡion of central farm policies in the national capital.
In a letter to Atishi dated January 1, Chouhan accused the AAP-led government of neglecting farmers and blocking crucial benefits under a key central scheme. Chouhan expressed his disappointment, claiming that the Delhi government had failed to implement several important central agricultural initiatives. These include the Integrated Horticulture Development Mission, Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, and the Beej Gram programme, which he argued are vital to the welfare of farmers. The Unio🌳n minister alleged that Delhi’s farmers were being deprived of essential services such as seed distribution, infrastructure development, and access to mechanization.
“I am writing this letter in sadness. Your gover⭕nment has stopped the implem🎃entation of farmer-friendly central schemes. Your government is not sympathetic towards farmers. Today, farmers in Delhi are upset and worried,” Chouhan wrote.
He further criticized the AAP government for failing to extend benefits like nursery estabಌlishment, crop insurance, and post-harvest infrastructure, which are included in the cent💖ral schemes but remain unimplemented in Delhi.
Chouhan also raise𒅌d concerns about Delhi farmers being f🦋orced to pay higher commercial rates for electricity, despite the AAP government’s promise of free power. He pointed out that farmers in areas such as the Yamuna region are struggling due to the disconnection of their irrigation equipment’s power supply.
The Union minister's letter also contained a direct message to Atishi, urging the Delhi government to put political differences aside in matters of fa🌜rmer welfare. He concluded by stressing that the government’s responsibility to ensure farmers' well-being♐ transcends party affiliations.
Delhi CM Atishi’s response to Shivraj Chouhan
Atishi, in a quick retaliation, dismissed Chouhan’s remarks as politically motivated. She accused the BJP of being insincere in its appro🍸ach to farmers' welfare.&n൲bsp;
“The BJP talking about farmers is like Dawood giving a sermon on non-violence… The condition of farmers has never been as bad as it was during🍌 the time of the BJP,” Atishi sai🌃d.
Atishi also called on Chouhan to urge Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the ongoing hunger strike by farmers from Punjab, who have been protesting for a legal guarantee on the Minimum Suppo🍸rt Price (MSP) for their crops. She accused the BJP of using farmers as political pawns and criticized the party for its actions during the 2020 farmers' protests, which saw violent confronta🅰tions between police and protesters.
Arvind Kejriwal backs Atishi
AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal extended his support to Atishi’s stance, accusing the BJP of failing to engage with farmers. In a post on X, he claimed that the Centre is preparing to implement the now-revoked three farm laws “through the backdoor” by calling it a “policy”. He said copies of ꧃the new “policy” have been sent to all states for their views on it
He demanded that the BJP government listen to the demands of farmers, particularly in Punjab, where protests have been ongoing. He further said that the BJP would be responsible “if something happens” ꦫto the protesting farmers in Punjab who are on an indefinite fast over a set of demands, including a legal guarantee on MSP.
