Hold hands of 'annadaatas' not poll funders

New Delhi: The Congress on Monday attacked the Centre over the farmers' day-long hunger strike, saying the government should let go of the hands of "election financiers" and hold the hands of the country's food providers by repealing the new farm laws.

Leaders of around 32 farmer unions observed a day-long hunger strike at Delhi's Singhu border on Monday to protest against the Centre's new farm laws. The unions claimed that demonstrations were also held at various district headquarters across the country.

"For the first time in 73 years, the farmers who feed the nation are on a hunger strike throughout the country. How many more 'achche din' you will bring Modi ji!" Congress' chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala tweeted. "Let go of the hands of election financiers and hold the hands of 'annadaatas' (food providers), wipe their tears and apologise, while taking back the three black laws," he said.

Responding to Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar's remarks that the government's wish is that farmers come for clause-by-clause discussion, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh tweeted, "Why didn't Modi Sarkar allow a Parliament Committee to examine the 3 Farm Bills clause-by-clause when the Opposition demanded it in September? Now it says it is ready. Ridiculous!"

Social activist Anna Hazare wrote to Union agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar warning "resumption of a hunger strike" against the Centre's "failure" to fulfil his demands including the implementation of the recommendations made by M S Swaminathan Commission.