As expected, the battle over the recently enacted Central farm laws, which as of now had remained restricted to street protests is about to take a new turn and in all probability it’s going to be the legal route, thereby resulting in rise of political heat too. The non-BJP ruled state, Punjab has been spearheading the anti-farm-laws movement and on Tuesday, its Assembly didn’t just move a unanimous resolution to reject them, but also went a step further by passing three state farm bills to dilute the Central legislations. With the extreme step now being taken, it will be interesting to see how many of the opposition-ruled states follow suit. Although it’s still not much clear, observing the fast-changing developments, it will hardly throw surprise if a good number of them join Punjab over the course of time. If that happens, a new chapter of Centre-State hostility will open, which is not going to be a good example for the Indian democracy where cooperative federalism is always considered an element to nurture. 

Giving reasons for bringing the bills, the Punjab CM has said the state has been compelled to counter the “disastrous effect” of the Centre’s “legislation by subterfuge”. As per protocol, to take shape of laws, the bills will now have to receive assent from the Punjab Governor first, followed by the same from the President since it’s a case of amending laws passed by the Central government. If for argument’s sake it’s accepted that there is every chance of these two ‘hurdles’ becoming invincible, what follows next is a tough legal battle at Supreme Court. And irrespective of the outcome there, it goes without saying that it will bring hefty political dividends for the entire rank of the opposition, particularly the Congress. The message of being farmer-friendly could thus be easier to send among masses and at least strong ripples, if not waves are expected to be seen over the political waters of the country, which has thus far remained placid due to a beleaguered opposition.

It’s a matter of fact that the issue of Minimum Support Price (MSP) has emerged as the bone of contention and with a little more of rationality and farsightedness, the prevailing chaos (read rising protests where social distancing is a total impossibility) which is uncalled for at the current pandemic times could have avoided. Unfortunately, the way things are taking shape suggest that it would escalate, putting into risk the lives of thousands taking to the streets, followed by an effect of a domino kind.

Cooperative federalism has diluted like never before and a new chapter of Centre-State hostility has opened. 

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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