Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar Slams Centre, Calls Out Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan

On Tuesday, December 3, 2024, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar raised concerns about the central government's approach towards farmers and directly criticized Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Highlighting the critical role of farmers in India's development, he remarked, "The path to a developed India passes through the heart of the farmer. This fact must never be forgotten." Dhankhar emphasized that farmers' current agitation should not be underestimated, as even those not protesting on the streets are troubled and anxious. He stressed that achieving the status of a developed nation requires an eightfold increase in individual incomes, with the rural economy and farmers' welfare being central to this transformation. Questioning the government’s engagement with farmers, Dhankhar expressed confusion over the lack of dialogue with them. He asked why economists and think tanks could not devise a formula to reward farmers adequately, stating, "We are not offering incentives in return for what is owed to them. We are being miserly with the promises made." Referring to the farmers as honorable and indispensable, Dhankhar drew attention to the struggles they endure and emphasized the necessity of timely dialogue with them. He also questioned whether any written promises were made to farmers by the previous agriculture minister and demanded clarity on their status. Dhankhar concluded by reminding everyone of Prime Minister Modi's stance that complex problems are best resolved through dialogue.