Giving a power-packed response to the Opposition leaders for creating ruckus in the Rajya Sabha, De- fence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday assured the farmers that Minimum Support Price (MSP) and Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) would not be removed at any cost.
Addressing a press conference, Rajnath called the occasion a “historic day” for farmers. He also condemned the unruly behaviour of Opposition MPs, terming it unfortunate and shameful.
During the press conference, Rajnath was also accompanied by top ministers including Prakash Javadekar, Piyush Goel, Thawar Chand Gehlot, Pralhad Joshi and Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi. The Defence Minister said farmers are now free from the shackles of the middlemen and they would be free to sell their produce wherever they wish at their own price.
“I am also a farmer and was the Agriculture Minister and I can never believe that the government of which we are part of will take any step against the interest of the farmers. What happened is against the decorum of the House,” he said, adding that attempts were being made to mislead the farmers on the basis of rumours.
Referring to the ruckus which took place in the Rajya Sabha, Rajnath said that it was unfortunate that such an historic day was marred by the “uncouth, unparliamentary, ruffian and violent” behaviour of the few led by the Congress party. Calling it a shocking moment, he said that the day would be remembered as a day when a handful of parties came together to obstruct reforms for Indian farmers.
“The manner in which the presiding officer has been heckled, brutally attacked and booed is shameful. Sadly, for them the people of India, especially farmers are watching and will punish those who have behaved improperly for their reckless behaviour,” he said.
The Defence Minister further added, “I know that it is the responsibility of the ruling side to run the House smoothly. The support of the Opposition is also expected. The confusion was created among farmers for their vested interests. It is not good for healthy democratic values.”
Meanwhile, around 100 opposition MPs have also filed a no- confidence motion against Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh after he overruled Opposition pleas for postponing Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar’s reply to the debate on the two farm bills till Monday since the sitting time scheduled of the House was over. When Rajnath was asked about 12 Opposition parties’ plan to bring a no- confidence motion against Harivansh, he said as far as the no-confidence motion is concerned, it is the prerogative of Rajya Sabha Chairperson M. Venkaiah Naidu. When Rajnath Singh was asked about the claims of Opposition parties that the BJP failed to convince its own Cabinet minister Harsimrat Badal, he responded by saying they are trying to make everyone understand but each person makes decisions based on political reasons.
The Rajya Sabha witnessed unruly scenes after Opposition MPs rushed into the Well of the House after their demands for proper voting by the division was denied. An attempt was made to snatch the mic at the Chairman’s podium. The rulebook was also shown to the Deputy Chairman from the Well of the House by an Opposition member. Derek O’Brien of the TMC approached the Chair and tore documents in front of him, calling the farm bill “Kala Kanoon”. He was also heard saying, “You cannot do this” to the chair. Even AAP MP Sanjay Singh was seen in the well, clapping in front of the chair.
With Inputs From Agencies