Farmers' protests: Some politicians outside India show support, criticize Modi government

The ongoing farmers' protests against the three farm laws have the support from a number of politicians outside India as well. Some leaders from the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and the United States expressed their solidarity with farmers and criticised the Modi government's handling of the protests.

Support for farmers and criticism of the Modi government's handling of the protests, hasn't just come from politicians of Punjabi origin like Dhesi, Gill, Jagmeet Singh, Gurratan Singh and Sara Singh but also from others like Jack Harris, John McDonnell, Kevin Yarde and Andrea Horwath.

These politicians not just took to the twitter to share their support, but some even took up the issue in the floor of the parliament in their respective countries. Here we bring you a compilation of some of these reactions.

Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, Labour MP

Labour MP from Slough and Shadow Rail Minister Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi has been in support of the protesting farmers from quite some time. In his recent tweet he wrote, "It takes a special kind of people to feed those ordered to beat and suppress them. I stand with farmers of the #Punjab and other parts of #India, including our family and friends, who are peacefully protesting against the encroaching privatisation of #FarmersBill2020."

Earlier, a tweet by British MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi had brought to the fore the fact that more than 100 MPs and peers from various parties in Britain had written to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, expressing concern over the farmers' protest in India.

Over 100 MPs signed cross-party letter to PM about our anxieties for India #FarmersProtest.

But it’s alarming to now hear reports of intimidation and harassment by authorities there, who’ve started issuing notices to peaceful protesters, union leaders and human rights activists. pic.twitter.com/Jh9r0RWwYj

— Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi MP (@TanDhesi) January 19, 2021

Slough MP Dhesi has been leading a drive to keep the protests by the Indian farmers against the Indian government's three farm laws in the news in Britain.

John McDonnell, Labour MP

Labour MP John McDonnell from Hayes and Harlington wrote, "I agree with @TanDhesi. This sort of oppressive behaviour against peaceful protesters is unacceptable and tarnishes the reputation of India."

Preet Kaur Gill, Labour MP

Labour MP from Birmingham Edgbaston and Shadow Secretary for International Development Preet Kaur Gill tweeted, "Shocking scenes from Delhi. Farmers are peacefully protesting over controversial bills that will impact their livelihoods. Water cannons and tear gas, are being used to silence them."

Jagmeet Singh, New Democratic Party leader

Canada's New Democratic Party led by Jagmeet Singh also came out in support of the protesting farmers. New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh tweeted, "The violence perpetrated by the Indian govt against farmers peacefully protesting is appalling. I stand in solidarity w/ the farmers from Punjab and across India - and, I call on the Indian govt to engage in peaceful dialogue rather than violence."

Jack Harris, St John MP

Jack Harris, MP from St John's East tweeted, "We are shocked to see the Indian government's suppression of farmers protesting new laws which will endanger their livelihood. Instead of using water cannons and tear gas, the Indian government needs to engage in open dialogue with farmers."

Andrea Horwath, Leader of Opposition Ontario Assembly

Leader of Opposition in the Ontario Assembly, Andrea Horwath tweeted, “#IStandWithFarmers in India who are protesting peacefully, as well as their loved ones here in Ontario, who are watching the violent crackdown in horror. Everyone deserves to be able to exercise their democratic rights without fear of state-sanctioned violence.”

Gurratan Singh, Brampton East

Gurratan Singh, who represents Brampton East in the Ontario provincial parliament spoke about the farmers' protest in the House. "Farmers are under attack in India. That's why I'm asking this house to stand with farmers against these unjust laws by the Indian government."

Kevin Yarde, Brampton North

Kevin Yarde, Member of Provincial Parliament from Brampton North tweeted, "Treatment of #PunjabFarmers is terrible. They are protesting bills that will impact the lives of so many. Farmers are the backbone of the Punjab they deserve to be treated with dignity. Indian government needs to engage in dialogue with farmers #IStandWithFarmers #BramptonNorth."

Sara Singh, Brampton Centre

MPP from Brampton Centre Sara Singh tweeted, "As the granddaughter of a farmer from Punjab, #IStandWithFarmers as they fight to protect their livelihoods & protest harmful legislation.These scenes are deeply concerning. Everyone deserves to be able to exercise their democratic rights without fear of state-sanctioned violence." 

Many Punjabi farmers mark the day after #Lohri as the beginning of a new year. This year celebrating feels different, as farmer's in India continue to protest to protect their livelihoods. Let's celebrate their resilience & determination. #HappyLohri pic.twitter.com/RoSrmJn9s7

— Sara Singh (@SaraSinghMPP) January 12, 2021

Rob Mitchell, Labour MP

Rob Mitchell, Labour MP from McEwen in Southeast Australia's Victoria, spoke in the country's Parliament in support of Punjabi farmers. He said, "I join many in our community who are disturbed at the treatment of Punjabi farmers in India and those who fear for their safety while peacefully protesting. I urge the Indian government to show restraint while dealing with protesters."

Harmeet K Dhillon, Republican Party official

Lawyer and Republican Party official from US Harmeet K Dhillon tweeted, "As the Punjab-born descendant of farmers, my heart breaks to see Punjabi farmers assaulted for protesting Indian govt's pro-big-corporation farm bill that will destroy their farms, way of life, and culture. Hear them, meet with them, & compromise, PM Modi."