Prime Minister Narendra Modi squarely blamed those with political agenda for the deadlock in the government’s talks with protesting farmers and said genuine apprehensions about MSP guarantee have got overshadowed by unrelated issues such as the release of those accused of violence and making highways toll-free.
While putting up a strong defence of the three new farm laws, Modi said the Centre is willing to resume the dialogue on all farmers-related issues, even with those staunchly opposed to his government as long as the talks are based on issues, facts and logic.
Modi asserted that an overwhelming number of farmers across the country have welcomed the new laws and are already reaping the benefits, and listed out the BJP’s victory in panchayat elections across States, in which farmers were the main voters and including in areas surrounding protest sites. He said the parties rejected by the electorate are pushing their own political agenda by misleading farmers.
Referring to the protests, Modi said farmers had some genuine apprehensions about new laws including on MSP guarantee when the agitation started, but soon people with political affiliations came in between and started firing from peasants’ shoulders to push their own and unrelated demands, Modi said. Will the stir continue or end soon? We have to wait and watch.