In a surprise announcement, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said he will repeal agriculture laws that farmers have been protesting against for more than a year. His step clearly shows that politics has precedence over anything else in the world because it comes as state elections in green-belt states such as UP and Punjab loom. No doubt, it’s farmers’ huge win, which they have described as a “hard-fought” victory.

“Today I have come to tell you, the whole country, that we have decided to withdraw all three agricultural laws. I urge farmers to return to their homes, their farms and their families, and I also request them to start afresh,” Narendra Modi was quoted as saying. This development is a clear capitulation of India’s prime minister but farmers’ emphatic triumph. India’s farmers therefore deserve praise and commendation for showing resilience and perseverance.

Rashid Gill (Gujranwala)

Copyright Business Recorder, 2021