Prime Minister Modi, in an unprecedented move, has repealed the controversial farm bills. I fully understand and endorse this step despite me being a staunch supporter on these laws. For some time, It had become a choice between a "likely" economic gain from bills versus Hindu Sikh unity. Knowing Modi and the RSS, the choice was obvious for any nationalist. Even if laws would have stayed, hostile state governments could easily keep avoiding it and make it a permanent thorn in Modi's flesh. These laws were, in fact, quite good economically but somehow, both sides of supporters had turned this into a decision by a "Hindu Government". One thought it was a law by "arrogant Hindu Government" and must go, the other thought this was a step by "strong Hindu Government" and must stay. The economic or agriculture debate about these laws had disappeared.
The bitterness was never so high in even in 90s after what all the Gandhi family did to Sikhs via Op Blue Star or 1984 riots. I joined Army in 1989 and had a large number of Sikh friends always. There used to be open discussions and they were all annoyed with the Congress but never against India or Hindus. Even at the peak of insurgency in Punjab, I was there as a military officer and villages were calm silently supporting national unity. This time, for whatever reason, many of those friends were getting quite annoyed. Many of my very nationalist Sikh friends, who even didn't turn anti India or anti Hindu in 1984, had been unhappy about these laws and considered it ham handedness.
This was fully exploited by anti-nationalist forces, very very effectively and was leading to sharp divisions in society. If these forces (anti-India) win in Punjab, we will have another Kashmir at our hand. Come what may, till now, we never had any anti-India CM on the chair in Punjab, unlike a series of those in Kashmir. So, there is no point in any financial/political or economic gain if the society breaks because of it. Lakhimpur Kheri weakened government stance, what happened there was totally unnecessary and very bad optics. It wouldn't matter much if a union minister was not involved. His idiotic son, further, made the whole BJP look Anti-Farmer and Anti Sikhs.
There are large number of silent supporters to these laws but at the end of the day, in democracy, if anyone can sustain a mass movement for one year in large numbers, they win, simple. This is a lesson for those silent majority also who did not hit the roads in support of the laws. I wish there were a few large protests in favour of the laws. BJP tried but none moved. Not even lakhs of people suffering due to roadblocks came together to throw protestors out. So, they held to their bargaining. So, they held to their bargaining power successfully.
These noisy ones were stubbornly on roads and could not be tackled unless met by brutal force. Brutal force surely disperses crowds but rifts widen forever. Use of any brute force would have been known as Jallianwala Bagh-2 in history, with Modi being the new Dyer. Any such leader, ultimately, harms the cause of the nation and invites counter violence.
Neither Modi nor BJP can be ever as cruel as Indira Gandhi. Even in Kashmir, government can't fire on unarmed terrorists, how could they do so in front of the Red Fort with the whole world watching? Even China today cannot repeat Tianenman Square type use of force without serious repercussions, so no one should dream that Modi would ask the forces to disperse thousands of unarmed farmers using brute force.
Therefore, in my opinion, the Farm Bills had become more of a liability than credit, for the nation. NaMo has done very right by withdrawing these. Opposition may say it's been done due to elections, but I assert any nationalist would have done the same in such a situation. Announcing it on Guru Parv is no co-incidence. Modi has not done it merely for election win but Hindu Sikh unity. For all nationalists, Hindu unity (to include Sikhs and Jats) is the biggest gain. No sane man breaks his family just to earn more money. Economic, political gains can wait.
My take
Must admit that I, too, was surprised to hear the PM announcing the repeal of the laws. Am sure that a lot of thinking has gone into it and the Colonel's arguments show the insight. A decision for the overall good of the country is what is the requirement. He has shown, time and again, that he's a leader of a different timbre!
And see the reactions of 'Tikait and gang'! It clearly points out their perfidy and hollowness. Could anyone tell me as to how a rogue like him is a leader of the farmers?
Tailpiece.
Got up at a 20' past 1, recited my prayers and turned off to sleep again. Got up at a half past 6, the chores and was ready by a half past 8.
Off to the Foundation. Perused and cleared quite a few official mail. Participated in 543rd edition of the Aazhchakkoottam on "Cryptocurrency" by Anvar Sadat from 1600 to 1700 h. It was interesting.
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