Gandhi cousins join hands for farmers

By Venkatesh Kesari | NT

New Delhi: The farmers’ issue has brought the scions of the Nehru-Gandhi family together despite being in rival parties, with both targeting Uttar Pradesh Minister for Home whose son was behind the violence at Lakhimpur Kheri. They are raising the same issues, in the same tone and sending out a clear message to political observers that they are united on the issue.

AICC General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and BJP’s Lok Sabha member Varun Gandhi are now on the same page. They wrote separately to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding action against Minister Ajay Mishra for the violence in Lakhimpur Kheri and compensation to the families of the dead farmers, on the day that Modi is slated to attend the DGP conference in Lucknow. The strong message was reflected in letters they wrote to Modi separately, a day after he was compelled to repeal three controversial farm laws ahead of the assembly polls in five states, including Uttar Pradesh.

In a letter on Saturday, Priyanka said: “If today, your intentions about farmers are really clear, don’t share the stage with the Union Minister of State for Home Ajay Mishra, and remove him.”Ajay Mishra’s son has been arrested in connection with the violence in Lakhimpur Kheri. Priyanka said: “But, Union Minister of State for Home Ajay Mishra ‘Teni’ still remains a member of your council of ministers. If you share the stage in the (DGPs’) conference with the father of the accused (Ashish Mishra), then a clear message will go to the aggrieved families that you are still with those persons who are giving patronage to the murderers.”

“You are the prime minister and you understand well, the responsibility towards the farmers of the country. Ensuring justice towards every citizen is not only the duty, but also the moral responsibility of the prime minister,” she said. -(inputs from agencies)