The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has decided to create a joint strategy along with like-minded parties on ways and means to strengthen the federal structure of the country which, it alleged,  is being eroded under the NDA government.

The parties will hold a conference in Delhi after January 15 whose main focus will be on erosion of federalism and its impact on farmers as well as financial well being of States.

In a statement here, senior SAD leader Prem Singh Chandumajra said a three member party committee had been formed by party President Sukhbir Singh Badal to reach out to like minded parties who were perturbed by the rise of a unitary system in the country. “We have reached out to the Trinamool Congress, Shiv Sena, INLD, DMK and the Samajwadi Party. We are also trying to get in touch with Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar. The purpose is to hold a conference and work jointly for strengthening the federal structure as visualized by our constitution makers”.

Chandumajra said leaders of regional parties had agreed to be part of the meeting which would be addressed by five time chief minister and SAD Patron Parkash Singh Badal. Earlier the meeting was fixed for January seven but had to be postponed due to a slight indisposition of Badal.

The SAD leader said the three Agricultural Acts, which had even been forced through parliament, were a direct interference of the centre in the powers of the States. He said even though Agriculture was a State subject the centre went ahead to legislate on this issue. “We are clear that these laws can’t be legislated by parliament. They also override State laws and market committees and will only help corporate besides weakening the finances of the States”.