The silent protest of MP Congress MLAs led by ex-chief minister Kamal Nath in support of farmers' demands against three new farm laws in Bhopal on Monday attracted BJP jibe as the Congress members decided to hold toy tractors in hands in symbolic protests.
The Congress had earlier planned a tractor rally in support of farmers' cause on Monday coinciding with the first day of the proposed winter session of the state Assembly as well as the foundation day of Congress. However, the plan was cancelled at the nick of time as a decision to defer the winter session was taken unanimously on Sunday evening.
The Congress MLAs instead sat on a silent protest in front of the statue of Mahatma Gandhi on the state Assembly campus, holding toy tractors in hand.
Taking a jibe, Home Minister Narottam Mishra said that by using toy tractors, senior citizen leader Kamal Nath was trying to please the 'ageing child' Rahul Gandhi. “Even if this does not serve any purpose, it might perhaps bring back Rahul Gandhi from Italy,” Mishra said in reference to Gandhi's overseas tour that has become a point of controversy.
Later, speaking at a programme to mark the 136th foundation day of Congress at party headquarters, Kamal Nath reiterated the party's support to the farmers' cause and their demands related to the three new farm laws.
Nath said that the Congress was committed to make purchase of crops below minimum support price (MSP) a crime, whenever it came to power. He also said that the Union government is trying to suppress the voice of the farmers and ignoring their basic demand that the farmers, their farming and their farmlands should not be made bonded properties of the corporates. “Anyone who tries to stand against the farmers is reduced to dust,” Nath said.
Nath also highlighted the role of the Congress in the freedom struggle and asked whether the BJP can show any of its leaders who might have participated in the freedom movement. He also said that Congress has always worked for uniting the people and the country and added that the time has come when the Congress workers will have to reach door-to-door to explain to the people about the divisive politics and ways of the BJP and its governments. “The future of the youth and the honour of the women are at stake and the Congress is duty-bound to safeguard them,” the ex-CM said.