Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, 10 February, said he considers the farmers' protest to be ‘holy’, but slammed the ‘hijacking’ of the agitation by andolanjeevis.
"I consider the kisan andolan to be pavitra. But when andolanjeevis hijack pavitra andolans (holy protests), showcase photos of those jailed for serious offences, does it serve any purpose? Not allowing toll plazas to work, destroying telecom towers — does it serve a pavitra andolan?" he said, in his reply to the motion of thanks on the President’s Address in the Lok Sabha.
“It is important for the country to differentiate between andolanjeevis and andolankari.”PM Narendra Modi
Taking a dig at the Opposition over the issue of the farm laws, PM Modi said, "Opposition MPs were discussing the colour of the farm laws, whether it was black or white, in the Parliament. It would have been better if the content and intent of the farm laws were discussed."
Ruckus Erupts, PM Reacts Sharply
A ruckus erupted in the Lower House as the PM started speaking on the three contentious farm laws, with Opposition MPs creating an uproar.
Modi reacted sharply, saying those disrupting the House are doing so as per a planned strategy. "Noises and attempts to obstruct are part of a well-thought-out strategy. The strategy is to keep making noises, otherwise, the lies and rumours will be exposed, truth will come out and things will get difficult for them. You won't be able to win people's confidence like that," he reportedly said.
Later, Congress MPs and Trinamool Congress MPs staged a walkout in the Lower House as the PM continued with his address.
“Congress has taken different stands in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. A divided and confused party like this can do no good to the country.”PM Modi in Lok Sabha, as quoted by PTI
During his address in the Lower House, the PM also said, "Farm laws were passed through an ordinance and later by the Parliament. No mandis were shut after the enactment of these laws, MSP did not end anywhere in the nation. It's a truth that we hide, it has no meaning. Purchase on MSP increased after the laws were formed.”
“This House, our government, we all respect farmers who are voicing their views on the farm laws...that’s why top ministers have been talking to them. There is a lot of respect for farmers,” he added, while emphasising that the government is open to making changes in the laws if there are any shortcomings.
‘Private Sector Also Vital’
PM Modi, in his address, also stressed on the role of the private sector.
"Public sector is essential but at the same time, the role of the private sector is also vital. Take any sector – telecom or pharma – we see the role played by the private sector. If India can serve humanity, it is also due to the role of the private sector," he said.
At the end of his speech, he urged the agitating farmers to come to the negotiating table.
On COVID, Aatmanirbhar Bharat
In the initial part of his speech, PM Modi spoke about the emergence of a new post-COVID world order.
"We will have to be a strong player and aatmanirbhar Bharat is the way forward. Today we can hear 'vocal for local' in every corner of India. People look for local. This sense of self-respect is working a lot for aatmanirbhar Bharat," he was quoted as saying.
Noting that a larger number of women MPs took part during the discussion on the President's speech, PM Modi said this was a ‘great sign’. "I want to congratulate the women MPs who enriched the House proceedings with their thoughts," he said.
“The speech by the President showcased India’s ‘sankalp shakti’. His words have boosted the spirit of confidence among the people of India.”PM Modi, as quoted by ANI
What PM Modi Said in RS
On Monday, PM Modi had addressed the Rajya Sabha, replying to the motion of thanks, in a speech where he appealed to the farmers to end their protests against the three contentious farm laws and hold discussions with the government.
“Elderly people are sitting in protests, I appeal to the protesters to end the protests and come forward for talks. We have always been ready for discussion, I appeal via this House,” PM Modi had said in the Rajya Sabha on Monday.
“I assure you that MSP was there in the past. MSP is there presently, and MSP will also stay in the future,” he added.
Slamming the Opposition, the Prime Minister said while parties created ruckus over how the farmers’ protests were being handled by the government, it did not bother to discuss the new farm laws.
“There was a lot said about the farmers’ protests in the Parliament and it is essential to discuss those aspects, but the Opposition did not bother to discuss the laws themselves,” he had said, adding that he is sure that the Opposition would not have answers for the questions raised by Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar in the House.
(With inputs from PTI and ANI.)
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