MNM chief hits out at state govt for backing Farm Bills

In a statement, the actor-politician urged President Ram Nath Kovind to return the Bills, passed last week, to the parliament for discussion. However, Kovind had given assent to three Bills and the Centre has published the notification to this effect.

“Normally, agriculture comes under the state subject. But the Centre has passed three Bills as a direct attack on the state’s autonomy. Moreover, the corporates will become a new landlord while the farmers will be exploited,” he said, adding that these Bills would result in the proliferation of the black market and create food grain shortages.

“The ruling AIADMK government has betrayed the farmers by extending support to these bills. The State government should immediately change its stand and should urge the centre to repeal the bills which affect the livelihood of the farmers,” he said, warning that farmers who sow have the power to bury the government too as Tamil Nadu goes to polls next year.

Haasan said that the Bills allow movement of goods to any part of the country. “It threatens food security and would create a dangerous situation as a state would be able to do nothing amid scarcity or price rise,” he said, adding that the AIADMK captured power promising more autonomy to farmers in the state.

“Why is the government covering up the dangers of corporates fixing prices of farm produce? Continuation of minimum support price (MSP) has come under question,” Mr Haasan warned on the removal of food grains and oils from the list of essential items.

Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami has extended support for the Bills passed by the Centre saying that it would benefit the farmers. DMK led opposition has strongly opposed the bills and announced a statewide demonstration against it on Monday.