Govt committed to safeguard farmers interest: PM

Bengaluru: Fending off attacks from a combative opposition on the controversial land acquisition bill, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday accused them of “spreading lies” and seeking to draw “political mileage” as he vowed to safeguard the farmers interests. 

In his speech at a public meeting in Bengaluru where the two-day BJP National Executive meeting is underway, Modi said he empathised with farmers and understood their woes, declaring the government was committed to empowering them. 

“Those spreading lies do not know how to protect the interests of farmers,” said Modi who made no direct reference to the land bill which has emerged as a rallying point for the Opposition to target his government, branding it as “anti-farmer.” 

“How did farmers lose their land? Where did it go?… To get a job of a peon for their children or to make them a driver, they used to be compelled to sell their land to pay bribes.. The (previous) governments compelled them to (sell land),” Modi said on a day when the government re-promulgated the land acquisition ordinance a day before it is to lapse. 

Noting that the country’s livestock was diminishing, he said, “I am surprised at that those people who are undertaking big campaigns for political mileage that if losing land for a farmer is painful, equally worrying is the depletion of livestock as it will have adverse impact on villages).” 

On farmers’ empowerment, he said “I have not come from the heavens. I have lived among villagers and poor people and have reached here…I know that India will not make progress till villages develop and till farmers make progress.” 

Modi also said “throwing crumbs” at farmers would not help them and stressed on reforms in agriculture sector, referring to farming technology, infrastructure, good roads, irrigation, electricity and own house. 

“We recognise the power of our farmers and we are making efforts to empower them and ensure proper remuneration for their produce,” he said.