Delhi Govt Slammed for Blocking Farmers' Welfare Schemes, Says Agri Minister

Delhi, India: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has accused the Delhi government of neglecting farmers by blocking the implementation of crucial central schemes. In a strongly worded letter addressed to Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, Chouhan urged the AAP government to prioritize farmer welfare over political differences.

“You have never taken proper decisions in the interest of farmers. Your government has stopped implementation of farmer-friendly central schemes and is not sympathetic towards farmers,” Chouhan stated, alleging that farmers in Delhi have been deprived of vital benefits due to the non-implementation of several central initiatives.

Meanwhile, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal claimed that the central government is planning to reintroduce the contentious farm laws—revoked in 2021—through a new policy framework. He alleged that the Centre has circulated drafts of the "National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing" to states for feedback, which could lead to a backdoor implementation of the now-defunct laws.

The Punjab government, led by AAP, has also criticized the draft policy, describing it as an indirect attempt to impose the 2020 farm laws. This development has added fuel to the ongoing political tussle over agricultural policies.