Bharat Bandh today: Shetkari Sanghatana says won’t take part, will oppose any move to roll back laws

Ghanwat, however, said the present laws aim to allow the farmers access to free market, which was denied so far. “For farmers in Maharashtra, this freedom would mean better prices. Also, the competition would ensure better price discovery,” he said.

Ghanwat added that union founder Joshi was a strong proponent of free market and the laws are actually a dream come true for the Sanghatana.

Back in 1990s, Joshi had led thousands of farmers from Maharashtra to support the ongoing sit-in organised by senior farmer leader Mahendra Singh Tikait. Joshi’s tryst with the seize did not go well after he was shoved off the platform by his opponents. However, many say that the current protest was reminiscent of the massive movement of 1990s. “While we oppose the demand, we do condemn the treatment of the farmers by the police in Haryana,” he said.

“For farmers in Punjab and Haryana, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) has a well-oiled system of procurement, which helps them sell their produce at the minimum support price (MSP) within 15 days of harvest. However, for farmers in other states, MSP is a mirage that is never materialised,” he said.

The farmers’ union has expressed its willingness to suggest the Centre various amendments that could be made to the three farm laws. “We have written to the central government for a meeting,” he said.