Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched a blistering attack on the opposition over the new farm laws, saying they were trying to disrupt the Parliament as part of a well-planned strategy. Replying to the motion of thanks on President's address in the Lok Sabha, Modi said his government has a lot of respect for farmers.
Protesting against his speech, members of the Congress and the Trinamool Congress staged a walk-out.
“The strategy is to keep making noises, otherwise the lies and rumours will be exposed. But truth will come out and things will get difficult for them. You won't be able to win people's confidence like that,” the prime minister said amid opposition ruckus.
In a scathing attack on the Congress party, Modi said its Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha units move in opposite directions. "Such a divided and confused party can neither do any good for itself nor can it think of any solution to the country's problems," he said.
Strongly defending the new agri laws, the prime minister made a fresh appeal to the protesting farmers to end their agitation and resume dialogue.
“This house, our government, we all respect farmers who are voicing their views on farm laws. There is lot of respect for farmers, that's why top ministers have been talking to them,” Modi said amid ruckus by opposition members.
He said no mandis were shut or minimum support price was stopped anywhere in the country after the implementation of these laws. “You cannot hide the truth. Purchase on MSP increased after the laws were formed,” Modi said.
He repeated his allegation that some 'andolanjivis' have hijacked the farmers' protest.
"Kisan Andolan is sacred, but when 'andolanjivis' hijack it and show pictures of those jailed for terrorism, what purpose does it serve?," he asked.