Ruckus in Lok Sabha
As the farmers protests entered third month, the controversies, discussions and hot debates over the new farm laws are doing rounds all over the country. The government is facing criticism from both opposition and farmer union's representatives. On Wednesday, opposition leaders including Congress member Rahul Gandhi staged a walk out as Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented the government's stance and took on farm laws. PM Modi strongly supported the new farm laws and viewed them as a progressive step to grow and develop the economy.
The Prime Minister defended the new farm laws in his reply to debate on motion to thank the President for his address, opposition leaders like Chowdhury repeatedly interrupted in his speech. PM Modi expressed his discomfort and angst on the interruption during his speech and sought Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury to allow him to speak. He said, "Adhir Ranjan ji, this is annoying. I respect you. You will receive more publicity than TMC in Bengal. Don't be excited. This is immature of you. Why are you doing such a thing?" after constant disruptions by him. The Prime Minister claimed that such acts of intervention and uproar were part of a well planned strategy to ensure that truth doesn't come out.
"Unending noises and disturbances are part of well thought strategy. It was done to prevent the exposure of lies and rumours. Truth might have been revealed which will make things difficult for them. People won't trust you or confide in you after this," PM said. PM Modi asserted that Congress took different stands in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. "An eccentric and confused party like this can do nothing good for the nation," he said. The Prime Minister highlighted that the government and Parliament respect farmers and their intentions who are voicing their discontentment and issues on farm laws and top ministers are talking to them.
PM Modi dispelled the apprehensions attached to the farm laws saying neither agriculture mandi (market) has shut down rather it has been widened nor MSP (Minimum Support Price) has been denied or declined. These laws will indeed increase the MSP. On the other hand, Congress said that its leaders were compelled to walk out as they were unsatisfied with PM's take. "Over 206 farmers have lost their lives to suicides or chilly cold but the Prime Minister has nothing to do with it other than just justifying the laws,"Congress' leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said.
The Brief. Sign up to receive the top stories you need to know right now.