Farmers are “annadatas” and “backbone of the economy”, allegations shouldn’t be made in opposition to them: Rajnath Singh

New Delhi: Noting that farmers are “annadatas” and “backbone of the economy,” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday strongly disapproved of remarks equivalent to “Naxals” or “Khalistanis” within the context of protesting farmers and stated “allegations should not be made by anyone” in opposition to them.
In an unique interview with ANI, the minister stated that the farm legal guidelines have been made within the curiosity of farmers and the protesting farmers ought to see their implementation for 2 years.
He stated the federal government was “pained” by the protest by farmers.

Asked about “Naxals” or “Khalistani” remarks made up to now within the context of protesting farmers, he stated such allegations shouldn’t be made.
“These allegations should not be made by anyone against farmers. We express our deepest respect towards our farmers. Our heads bow in deference and respect towards our farmers. They are our ‘annadatas’. In the time of economic recession, the farmers have borne the responsibility of taking the economy out of trouble. They are the economy’s backbone. They have taken the country out of troubled waters on several occasions,” Singh stated.
He urged that farmers who’re protesting in opposition to three farm legal guidelines ought to have interaction in a logical debate on each clause with the federal government.
His remarks got here forward of the following spherical of talks between the protesting farmers and the federal government.
“My suggestion to the farmers is that there should be a logical debate on every clause of the farm laws. Where it will be felt that there is anything against the interests of the farmers, the government will do the needful to address their problems,” he stated.
He stated the federal government was working for the poor and marginalised sections of the society.

“Some forces have tried to create some misperceptions amongst farmers. We have also talked to several farmers. My only request to farmers is that clause-wise discussion based on logic should be done and not seek ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer. We will find a resolution to the problem. I have myself seen the laws and I am aware of the problems of the farmers. The farmers should at least see the implementation of these laws for two years as an experiment. We will be ready to make necessary amendments if there is a need. If the farmers want experts to talk with the government for amendment in certain clauses, we are entirely flexible,” he stated.
Singh stated the federal government has been working to spice up the revenue of farmers by means of the farm legal guidelines and the Prime Minister was involved in regards to the problem earlier than the 2014 election marketing campaign.
“The fact is that the three farm bills have been made keeping the interests of the farmers in mind. Being one of the senior-most members of the cabinet, I have had the opportunity of interacting with PM Modi on several issues, I have seen that he has expressed concern on the farmers’ issues. Even before the 2014 election campaign, he had the thought of doubling the income of farmers,” Singh stated.
He stated the federal government has repeatedly stated that MSP will proceed.

“How will we renege on our promises? If leaders renege on promises in a democracy then the people punish them under this system. We are striving to increase the income of farmers,” he stated.
He stated Prime Minister Narendra Modi was pained in regards to the farmers’ protest.
“There is no question of being insensitive as far as the subject of farmers is concerned. Our farmers are holding demonstrations and I am not the only one pained. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is pained as well.”
He was requested why no BJP chief had visited the farmers protesting on Delhi borders.
He stated the Sikh brothers have sacrificed quite a bit for nationwide safety and the nation won’t neglect that.
“The Sikh brothers have always protected the culture of the country. Their contribution will always be remembered for protecting the country’s self-respect. There is no question on their integrity.”