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Centre urges unions to rethink stance on Punjab ministers' inclusion
Farmers’ boycott prompts Centre to defer May 4 talks
Ferozepur, May 2, 2025: In a fresh twist to on-going farm negotiations, the Union Agriculture Ministry has deferred the scheduled May 4 meeting with farmers after major unions declared a boycott over the inclusion of Punjab ministers in the talks and Centre has urged the unions to rethink their stand on Punjab Minister’s inclusion in the discussions.
The Ministry of Agricutlure, in a letter dated May 1 to farmer leaders Jagjit Singh Dallewal and Sarwan Singh Pandher, emphasized the importance of Punjab’s participation, noting that federal discussions should include both state and central representatives. However, it assured that a new date would be finalized after getting feedback from the unions.
Two major farm outfits – Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha – had earlier refused to attend if Punjab ministers were present. In a letter dated April 27, they cited a breach of trust, following the arrest and reported mistreatment of protestors at Shambhu and Khanauri sites on March 19, just hours after receiving verbal assurances from Punjab ministers.
General Secretary Purna Chandra Kisan highlighted that the ministry sought confirmation on Punjab's role and insisted any further talks would depend on the unions' reconsideration.
Pandher maintained that their reply to the Centre made it clear: “If Punjab ministers are involved, we will not participate.” He also criticized the Centre’s selective federalism and reaffirmed distrust in the Punjab government.
Farmer groups, continuing their Delhi Chalo 2.0 movement, are pushing for a legal guarantee on MSP and adoption of the C2+50% pricing formula.
