The Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which are part of the ruling coalition in Maharashtra, on Friday said they would try to ensure that the farm sector reform bills are not implemented in the state.
Speaking in Pune, deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar said farmers as well as the NCP and other parties are opposed to the new bills. “Farmers think that the laws are not beneficial for them. There was no hurry (to pass them),” he said. Asked whether they would be implemented in Maharashtra, he said, “We will try to ensure that they are not implemented, but at the same time we will have to see what new issues crop up.
“We are studying what can happen if the matter goes to the court,” Pawar said, adding that the government has sought opinion of the legal department too. He had held a meeting on the issue where Water Resources Minister Jayant Patil, Cooperation Minister Balasaheb Patil, leaders of Mathadi workers (head-loaders who work in APMCs) and other stake-holders were present, he added.
Earlier in the day, state Congress chief and Revenue Minister Balasaheb Thorat said they will “work together and take a decision on non-implementation of the new farm bills.”