PM Modi sees big conspiracy behind farmers' protest

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday blamed the Opposition for the ongoing stir by thousands of farmers, who have been protesting the three new farm laws by camping near Delhi's borders, saying the peasants have been misled.

Modi was addressing the public after laying the foundation stone for a desalination plant and a milk processing and packaging plant in Gujarat's Kutch.

"The country is asking why small farmers who produce grains and pulses should not get the freedom to sell crops. Agricultural reforms were in demand for years. Many farmers' organisations have also demanded in advance that they should be given an option to sell food grains anywhere," the PM Modi said, backing the clauses from the recently-cleared laws by the government.

"Today those who are confusing the farmers by sitting in the Opposition have supported these reforms in their time. They just kept giving false comfort to the farmers. When the country has taken these steps, they are now confusing the farmers," he said. Modi said that a conspiracy is going on to confuse the farmers. "They are being scared that after new agrarian reforms, others will occupy the land of the farmers. You tell me, if a dairyman contracts to take milk from you, does he take your animal?" he asked.

Extending support to the farmers via his address, Modi said, "I am again telling farmer brothers and sisters that the government is ready to solve their doubts. The interest of farmers has been the priority of our government since day one."

Thousands of farmers hailing from Punjab and Haryana have been protesting for the last 20 days in and around the national capital demanding the repeal of three farm laws.

Enacted in September, the three farm laws have been projected by the Centre as major reforms in the agriculture sector that will remove the middlemen and allow farmers to sell anywhere in the country.