Rahul Gandhi says violence is not solution, calls for repeal of farm laws in national interest

New Delhi: After the farmers’ tractor rally saw clashes with the police at some places on Republic Day, the Congress condemned the violence, with Rahul Gandhi stating that any damage will be nation's loss and Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh urging the agitators to vacate Delhi and return to the borders.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor was upfront in condemning the act of some agitators unfurling their own flag next to the tricolour at Red Fort.

“Violence is not the solution to any problem. Whoever gets hurt, the damage will always be nation’s,” Gandhi tweeted. “Withdraw the anti-agriculture laws in national interest”.



Describing the scenes in Delhi as “shocking”, the Punjab CM tweeted: “The violence by some elements is unacceptable. It’ll negate goodwill generated by peacefully protesting farmers. Kisan leaders have disassociated themselves and suspended #TractorRally. I urge all genuine farmers to vacate Delhi and return to borders.”

Tharoor, on his part, said on Twitter: “Most unfortunate. I have supported the farmers’ protests from the start but I cannot condone lawlessness. And on #RepublicDay no flag but the sacred tiranga should fly aloft the Red Fort.”

At the beginning of police-farmers clashes, CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury said, “Tear gassing & lathicharging Kisans is unacceptable. Why, after the Delhi Police & Samyukt Kisan Morcha agreement? Why is the government provoking a confrontation. They must allow the peaceful, agreed tractor parade to continue.”

After the protesting farmers unions jointly condemned the violence and tried to distance themselves from those indulging in clashes with the police, the cautious opposition camps closely watched the next moves of the government and the farmer leaders.