Tamil Nadu assembly passes resolution against farm laws

Chennai, Aug 28: Tamil Nadu Assembly on Saturday adopted the resolution moved by CM MK Stalin, urging the Centre to withdraw the three agriculture related legislation, through voice vote, even as the opposition BJP staged a walkout from the assembly.

The resolution urged the three laws- the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act,2020; the Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020; and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020- be repealed.

The AIADMK MLAs stage walkout from Tamil Nadu Assembly stating that the resolution against 3 farmer-related laws of Central government has been moved in haste and that the state government should seek views of farmers by convening an all-party meeting.

O Panneerselvam said while the CM has listed the disadvantages of the farm laws, its advantages also need to be ascertained. He sought to know whether the state government has written to the Centre over the matter and if it has received a reply.

Leader of the House Duraimurugan said the legislations were enacted when the AIADMK was in power in the state even as Stalin wanted to know whether the main opposition party supported today's resolution or not.

Replying, Panneerselvam said petitions against the farm laws were pending before the Supreme Court and therefore no decision can be taken and also assured his party's support for the welfare of farmers. The chief minister said some other states had also moved Assembly resolutions against farm laws earlier though the previous AIADMK government did not do so. Subsequently the AIADMK walked out.

"All cases filed against the farmers who staged protests against the three farmer-related legislations of the Central Government, during the past one year, will be withdrawn," Staling also said.

The chief minister said today's resolution was in lines with his party's electoral promise ahead of the April 6 assembly polls.

West Bengal, Punjab, Rajasthan, Chattisgarh, Delhi, Puducherry and Kerala have already passed the resolution.