The Prime Minister’s weighty announcement on Friday of the government’s decision to repeal three farm laws which were being opposed by a section of the farmers, is a masterstroke.

First and foremost, the repeal of the laws will go a long way to win-the-hearts and minds of the alienated section among the people of Punjab, about whom the PM cares deeply at an emotional and personal level. He is personally invested in fostering their prosperity and all-round growth.

PM Narendra Modi’s track record in public life has already demonstrated his deep affection and respect for the Sikh community. Many years ago, he spent a few years as a political worker in Chandigarh and Punjab—a seminal event that cemented a deep personal and irrevocable bond with the valorous Sikhs.  

That special connect between the two was strongly revealed when PM Modi became the Chief Minister of Gujarat. When Gujarat was jolted by the 2001 earthquake, then CM Modi urgently ordered the repair of the damaged Lakhpat Gurudwara in Kutch, which, he was well aware, has a special place in the hearts of the Sikhs worldwide.

The Gurudwara is especially revered as Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh faith twice stayed in this town, when he was on his way to Mecca as part of his two lengthy missionary sojourns called Udasis. These were undertaken between 1506-21.  The descendants of Guru Nanak’s hosts subsequently established a Gurdwara Lakhpat in the early 19th century.

PM Modi has continued to strongly convey his deep reverence for the practitioners of the Sikh faith ever since. It is therefore not surprising that the Modi administration marked the 350th Parkash Purab of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth and last Guru of the Sikhs, and the 550th Parkash Purab of Guru Nanak Ji, with great enthusiasm. Earlier this year, the PM did not allow COVID restrictions to come in the way of the celebrations of the 400th Parkash Purab of Guru Tegh Bahadur, another iconic Sikh Guru.  

The PM’s warm concern for the well being of the Sikhs goes far beyond India’s borders. Recently, Sikhs, whose life was endangered, were brought back with dignity from Afghanistan along with their Holy Books.

And only a few days ago, the Kartarpur Sahib corridor to Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji was opened up at the request of the Sikh Community.

It is therefore not surprising that PM Modi announced his decision to repeal the farm laws during the next session of parliament on the Parkash Purab of Guru Nanak—an act of extraordinary symbolism, which is bound to be noted by the Sikh community worldwide.

Apart from reinforcing his personal and deep emotional bonds with the Sikh community, there is another reason why the PM’s decision to repeal the farm laws was a masterstroke.

The abrogation of the laws was also necessary to reinforce India’s national security—a sacred duty of the government led by PM Modi– so that all energies of team-India could be expended on the country’s economic rise.  Reliable reports were emerging that pro-Khalistan groups, backed by Pakistan’s ISI network, were attempting to infiltrate the farmers’ agitation. This had to be nipped in the bud, so that an internally cohesive India, emerging out of Covid-19, can relentlessly focus on its development. The repeal of the farm laws has just done that.

Also Read: PM Modi announces repeal of three farm laws, urges agitating farmers to return home on Gurupurab