PM Modi defends farm laws in Lok Sabha, renews talk offer

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi defended the contentious farm laws in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday and said its provisions were ‘optional’ and not ‘compulsory’, as farmers had the choice on where to sell their produce. Replying to the debate on the motion of thanks to the President’s address, Modi renewed his government’s talks offer with agitating farmers on ‘any point of concern’. Modi also used the floor to distinguish the difference between ‘andolankari’ (agitator) and his controversial ‘andolanjeevi’ (professional agitator) jibe used in the Rajya Sabha, by arguing the professional agitator destroyed the sanctity of democratic agitations.

Expressing readiness for a ‘clause-by-clause’ discussion on farm bills, Modi asked the Opposition to specify how the laws adversely affected farmers. “After Parliament passed the farms laws, no 'mandi' has been shut. MSP also remains intact. MSP was, in fact, raised after the laws were passed. One cannot meet challenges of the agriculture sector in the 21st century with 18th century ideas. We will have to change it. Nobody wants farmers to remain poor. I believe he should not be dependent on others. It's our responsibility to ensure it,” Modi said.

He appealed to farmers to resume talks. “This House and the government have great respect for the farmers voicing their views on the bills. This is the reason why top ministers constantly talked with them. The government is ready to continue talks on any specific concern.”


Trying to soothe the agitators he said, “I consider the agitation sacred. Democratic agitations are part of our journey. But, when professionals hijack sacred agitations, showcase photos of those jailed for serious offences, including communal violence and terror, and demand their release, does it serve any purpose? They don’t allow toll plazas to work in UP and destroy telecom towers in Punjab. Does it serve a sacred agitation,” Modi asked.

MPs of the Congress and some allies, led by Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, tried to interrupt the PM’s speech. They raised slogans seeking repeal of the farms laws and finally staged a walkout even though MPs of DKM, NC, NCP and some others stayed back. Modi alleged the disruption was planned. “Those disrupting the House are doing so as per strategy. They are unable to digest the fact that people can see the truth. They can never win the people’s trust by such games,” he said. Pointing out how the Congress-led Opposition cooperated in the debate in the Rajya Sabha, he said, “a divided and confused party can do no good to the country.”