The first instinct of anyone anywhere is the protection of farmers. In Karamsad, Gujarat, at the Sardar Patel Memorial Hall, a massive banner states the same – and that is a hall Narendra Modi will be very familiar with.
Sadly, in Britain a few MPs have decided to hijack the farmers views. I was on the BBC and spoke to the producer about this.
First, in the UK, what on earth during a coronavirus tier 2 lockdown are MPs doing encouraging people to protest in close proximity to each other – presumably coming in coaches. How does that help Britain. Read that again, how does that help Britain?
Second, could the protestor in the Ferrari explain exactly how he makes common cause with poor farmers, or was it the flag waving ‘Khalistanis’ that are the real agenda here for him.
Yes, there will be some concerned for the farmers, but let’s not be naïve, the majority in the UK claiming to support them are opportunistic political fanatics who want a theocracy. It’s a simple test, you claim to support Indian farmers – how many of you will say you are proud to be Indian, but support the farmers?
But of course if your cause is not strong enough and you have a hidden agenda, you need to bolster your case with misinformation (think Brexit). You need to claim these four lies:
Lie 1: Farmers land will be in the hands of capitalists.
Truth: the Bill clearly prohibits sale, lease or mortgage of farmers’ land. The agreement is for produce not land.
Lie 2: Big corporates will have all the advantages.
Truth: Now smaller farmers can get the benefits in other states farmers have of working with corporates to get better technology with guaranteed profits because the farmers get a fixed price and they can withdraw without penalty at any time.
Lie 3: Mandis will end.
Truth: No the market system will continue.
Here are some principles we can and do agree on:
Protests should never be hijacked by separatists and those who have a problem with the country, as opposed to a problem with the laws.
British MPs should not be encouraging a congregation of theocratic fanatics during Covid. Better you lose your seat than pander to fanatics. Law first, nation second, religion third. If it’s not in that order, there is a shredder for your passport.
And in case you think I am some ‘Government jamjah or Modi-bhakt’ my top Indian politicians of all time: Mrs Indira Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, Radhakrishnan, Sashi Tharoor – all Congress and Zakir Husain of Jamia Milia Islamia (3rd President of India).