Shivraj Chouhan, Atishi trade charges over farmer welfare

Mann also questioned Centre's 'reluctance' to have a dialogue with the farmers to redress their grievances

- Alok KN Mishra

CHANDIGARH: Hours after the Supreme Court on Thursday questioned the Union and Punjab governments for their inaction in addressing the prolonged hunger strike of Jagjit Singh Dallewal and the farmers' protest, chief minister Bhagwant Mann claimed the Centre wanted the farmer leader evicted from the protest site.

"Centre wants him evicted from there (current protest site). Why?" Mann said, adding, "They (farmers) are not getting violent. There is no build-up of any tension. They are sitting in Punjab."

Mann said he spoke to Dallewal, who has been on a hunger strike since November 26 at Khanauri, and "urged him to end his fast but the Union government has not made any effort to assuage the sentiments of food growers."

"Supreme Court said Dallewal should not face any health problem. I talked to Dallewal on Tuesday and told him that agitation may go on for long and it is important for him to be at the forefront and his health is important," Mann said.

Mann wondered why the Centre was reluctant to have a dialogue with the farmers.

"All demands of the farmers pertain to the Centre, whether they come from the two forums leading the ongoing agitation at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders or from other farmers' unions," Mann said.

"Why does the Centre not invite farmers for a dialogue?" he asked.

Mann said instead of making any effort to redress the grievances of the farmers, the Union government is trying to fix the responsibility on the farmers.

The CM said the central government should give up its 'stubborn attitude' and hold dialogue with them. "Dallewal's fast has entered its 38th day, but they (Centre) don't care...I want to tell the Centre that open a way for talks," Mann said.

He said the Punjab government made several efforts in the past to bring the Centre to the table for a talk, but in vain.

He also said it is the Punjab government's responsibility to take care of Dallewal's health.