BJP is gradually getting cornered and is on a back-foot with regards to the farmers’ protests in which more than 260 farmers have lost their lives since the movement began in late November, last year.

Also See: An overview of farmers’ protests- role of Charan Singh

Governor of Meghalaya Satya Pal Malik took a strong stance in the favour of the farmers’ movement. He castigated the central government and the BJP over their indifference over handling of the farmers’ movement. He said, “Even when a dog dies, it is condoled, yet none expressed condolences when 250 farmers died.”

Also See: Overview of the Farmers’ unions in the protests

Malik predicted that due to the farmers’ movement gathering momentum through the Mahapanchayats, the BJP would lose its support-base in UP, Haryana, and Rajasthan.

He criticized the central government and suggested that the farmers should not be sent home empty-handed and that the government should reopen talks with the farmer-leaders. He also added that he will speak over this matter, even if he is removed from his public office, i.e. the post of governor.

Meghalaya Governor Malik stated, “If the government thinks I am harming them then I will step aside. I will speak even if I am not a Governor. I cannot bear to see the state of these farmers. BJP leaders are unable to leave their villages as people are beating MLAs. Those who want to harm the government, they are the ones who do not want a resolution. My statements will not harm the party, rather the opposite as the farmers will feel that someone is speaking up for them.”

When the special status of J&K was abrogated in August 2019, Satya Pal Malik was the governor of that state.