Chandigarh, Jan 24 (UNI) Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) President Sunil Jakhar on Sunday said Centre by failing to invite farmers at the Republic Day parade has lost a golden opportunity to break the stalemate with them over the contentious agri laws.

The PPCC chief also advised the Prime Minister to invite that courageous old lady to be the Chief Guest on the R-Day parade who had lost her son while defending the nation's territory, and is still fighting along with the farmers to save the constitution at Delhi borders alongwith her grandchild.

In a statement here, Mr Jakhar said because of its arrogance, central government is disrespecting the collective voice of farmers and of the nation. The celebration of our Republic is complete only when the government listens to the will of the people.

He said it would have been better had the central government invited farmers as part of the government Republic Day ceremony. He also said he agrees with suggestion of Admiral (Retd.) Ramdass that after the annual ceremony, farmers should be allowed to take out their tractor parade at the same venue.

He also said Mahinder Kaur should be invited as guest of honour whom the BJP had disrespected by saying that she was available for protests for money. Jakhar said Centre must give up its egoistical stand and fulfil all demands of farmers to repeal the draconian laws. He said it was regretful that due to centre's arrogance farmers were being treated as outsiders in the national capital.

The Congress leader said it would have been better had the centre asked all the women’s protesters at the borders of Delhi to watch the national parade. The spirit of Jai Jawan Jai Kisan would have resonated only then, he added. He said the BJP leadership could have utilised this opportunity to make up for the vicious propaganda they have been spreading against farmers all this while.

He also said farmers should also be allowed to offer their respects at the Amar Jawan Jyoti as a mark of gratitude towards their own sons who have attained martyrdom in the service of motherland.

UNI DB SY 1658