What prompted the prime minister to repeal the farm laws?
The prime minister took the decision in national interest, despite knowing that the three laws would have made a big change in the lives of small farmers. It was done to preserve national security and integration. The prime minister is keen that there is harmony in the country.
What is the way forward?
Most of the farmers were in favour of the laws and were supporting the prime minister. One section of farmers, particularly those from Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, were against the laws. We failed to convince them.
The farmers had a lot of misgivings, which consumed them. They could not understand the benefits of these laws. We hope that when small farmers realise that the laws were in their favour, they would blame those who created so much ruckus on the issue.
The farmers are asking for an MSP (minimum support price) guarantee.
There was never a law on MSP. It was introduced through an administrative order in 1965-66. It has many benefits and some disadvantages. The prime minister has announced the setting up of a committee. I welcome it as the committee will discuss with all farmer representatives, political parties, states and agriculture experts to arrive at a decision on MSP. The prime minister will then take a decision in favour of the farmers.
Will you now go to farmers again to talk about the new decision?
We had already gone to farmers through various programmes like Kisan Samvad, tractor rallies and Kisan Chaupal. We tried telling them about the benefits. But because of the circumstances in the country, the prime minister has honoured the desire of the farmers. These reforms had come after 100 years. These were 100 per cent in favour of small farmers, whom everyone overlooked in the past.
Will the reform process in the agriculture sector be derailed?
Now it may take time. When the prime minister gave three farm laws, it was a historic decision. Those had to be withdrawn as certain conditions were created, roads were blocked, protests were held, and despite talks, the farmers did not agree.
You said the decision was in national interest. Were there chances of disturbance in Punjab?
You have seen how Punjab was disturbed for such a long time. Some forces were active again. The prime minister has taken the vital decision keeping in mind the concerns at the highest level. We should not look at things from the prism of victory or loss. These things happen within the family.
Will this decision help the BJP in the upcoming elections?
I will not say there was any political motive in bringing the laws or in withdrawing them. But I can say with conviction that the BJP is very strong in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur and will form the government. The situation is different in Punjab, but we will do well.