16 parties to boycott President Kovind's budget address; TRS, YSRC not among them

Hyderabad: Around 16 political parties spearheaded by the Indian National Congress is calling for the boycott of President Ram Nath Kovind's Budget address to both the houses of Parliament scheduled to be held on 29 January. The dissent is a mark of support to the protesting farmers and against the farm laws, they said.

However, Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao-led TRS and Andhra Pradesh CM Y.S Jagan Mohan Reddy's YSRCP do not feature in the list. The non-participation of the two state-recognized parties indicates their support to the BJP government at the Centre and the controversial farm laws.

To recall TRS supremo K. Chandrashekar Rao, much before the municipal body polls held in December had raised a red flag against the BJP, he had announced the formation of an anti-BJP front at the Centre which in return turned out to be a knee-jerk reaction, certainly not the first time. The TRS led by minister for IT and municipal development K.T Rama Rao, also orchestrated a protest soon after the GHMC results in support of the protesting farmers. However, all words were minced when the Chief Minister made a visit to Delhi where he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home minister Amit Shah.

Meanwhile, YSRCP with the largest number of parliamentarians has never gone against its ally in regard to supporting their policies.

In a joint statement issued by the protesting parties, it said, "Indian farmers' have been collectively fighting against the three farm laws arbitrarily imposed by the BJP government that threatens the future of Indian agriculture which sustains over 60 per cent of India's population and the livelihood of crores of farmers, sharecroppers, and farm labourers. Over 155 farmers have lost their lives during the protest, yet the government remains unmoved and has not responded".

With regard to the tractor protest held on Republic Day, the parties added, "Unfortunately there were few acts of violence on 26 January in the national capital of Delhi which was condemned. We express our sadness over the injuries sustained by the Delhi police personnel while handling the difficult situation. But we believe that an impartial investigation will reveal the Central government's nefarious roles in orchestrating those events."