In a fresh jibe at the Narendra Modi-led BJP government, Meghalaya Governor Satya Pal Malik alleged that the prime minister was “arrogant” during their discussion over the farmers’ protest that led to a heated argument between the two.
Speaking at Dadri in Haryana the governor shared, “When I went to meet the prime minister to discuss the farmer issue, I ended up fighting with him within five minutes. He was very arrogant. When I told him that 500 of our own (farmers) had died… he said, ‘Did they die for me?’ I told him yes, since you are the king. I ended up having an argument with him. He told me to meet Amit Shah and I did.”
Over the Modi government taking back the three controversial farm laws and the pending demands of the farmers, Malik said, “What more could the PM have said other than what he said… We (farmers) should get decisions done in our favour. We should take their help to get legal guarantee for MSP instead of doing something that spoils everything.” He added, “Some issues are still pending. For instance, there are cases (against farmers); the government needs to show honesty on that count and withdraw the cases. Similarly, legal MSP will have to be done.”
“If the government thinks that this agitation has ended, it has not… The agitation has only been suspended. If injustice or atrocity is committed on farmers, then it will start again. I will be with them (farmers) whatever the situation,” stated Malik.
The governor suggested that the Centre should work on cases against the farmers and create an authentic legal framework for MSP. “The government will have to work with honesty to withdraw the cases against the farmers and give a legal framework (guarantee) on MSP. This is the government’s responsibility,” said Malik, adding, “If there is injustice or if there are any excesses with farmers, then the stir will start again.”
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Sharing the Meghalaya governor’s statement on Twitter, Congress’ Mallikarjun Kharge commented, “Meghalaya’s Governor Sri Satya Pal Malik is on record saying PM was ‘arrogant’ on the issue of Farmers & HM Amit Shah called the PM as ‘mad’. Constitutional authorities speaking about each other with such contempt! @narendramodi ji is this true?” The party’s official Twitter handle further added, “Vanity… cruelty… insensitivity. In BJP Governor’s statement, these ‘qualities’ of PM Modi’s personality are mentioned. This is a matter of concern for a democracy.”
Days before the controversial farm laws were repealed in November, the Meghalaya governor had said in Jaipur that the Centre will have to concede to the farmers’ demand eventually. He also shared that his anti-government statements might lead to his transfer or removal.
