PM Modi warns against new kind of FDI, urges farmers to end protest

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday once again appealed to farmers to end their agitation against farm laws, assuring them that the Minimum Support Regime (MSP) regime will stay even as he targeted the Opposition for their "U-turn" on agriculture reforms.

Replying to the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address in Rajya Sabha, Modi also warned the protesters against the "new breed of aandolan jeevis (professional protesters)" who are "parasites feasting on protests" and the "new FDI or Foreign Destructive Ideology", without mentioning any names or the support they received from international celebrities and others abroad.

Parliament Live updates on DH

In his around 75-minute speech in which he spent around 30 minutes on the contentious laws and agitation, he also spoke about Covid-19 management in the country and said India has proved wrong all those who raised apprehensions and the world appreciates the country's efforts in saving humanity.

Mocking the Opposition's attack on him over farm laws and Covid-19 management, Modi said he was glad that he was of some use to them. "In this Covid-19 season, you must be stuck at home and I am sure there must be trouble at home. At least this way you could take your anger out," he said.

Referring to the Opposition's boycott of the President's address, he said it would have been better if everyone was present but his speech was so powerful that even without listening to it, everyone had a lot to say about it.

Also read — India is the mother of democracy: PM Modi in Rajya Sabha

On the farmers' issue, he said Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar has been constantly in touch with agitating farmers and there is no tension between both sides.

"To protest is your right but I appeal to you to send back elderly among the protesters. Let's find a solution. Please end this agitation. The roads (for negotiations) are open. Through the medium of this House, I am inviting you," he said.

"It is time for taking decisions to reform the agriculture sector... We have to modernise mandis... I assure MSP was there, MSP is there and it will remain there," he said.

Referring to some of the organisers of the farmers' agitation, Modi said a new breed of "aandolan jeevi" has emerged, which one can see in any protest and sometimes behind the scenes, giving an "ideological spin". "These are parasites who are feasting on protests and one who finds ways for agitation and the people should keep themselves away from them," he said.

He also said, "We must save India from a new version of FDI - Foreign Destructive Ideology. While we must keep the first form of FDI intact, foreign direct investment, we must protect ourselves from the new version of FDI."

Also read — India proved sceptics wrong, says PM Modi on the government's handling of the Covid-19 pandemic

Modi said the speeches by Opposition MPs during the debate were more of the agitation and none of them referred to the core reasons of their objections to the laws. He said someone had to take hard decisions and he chose to take it. "Let the abuses come to my account but let us move ahead together," he said even as he questioned the Opposition parties which while in the government brought reforms but took a "U-turn suddenly".

The prime minister also quoted former Prime Ministers Charan Singh and Manmohan Singh and referred to Lal Bahadur Shastri and H D Deve Gowda.

Quoting Singh, who was present in the House and had earlier emphasised the need for reforms in agriculture, Modi said, "Manmohan ji had talked about giving a free market to farmers and making India a large common market. Don't listen to me but listen to him. You should be proud that Manmohan Singh ji said it and Modi is implementing it."

Referring to former Agriculture Minister and NCP chief Sharad Pawar who had earlier written letters to states seeking reforms, he said those in power earlier in states too had done reforms.

During the Green Revolution, Modi said, the then Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri faced opposition and none wanted to be Agriculture Minister because they were scared of making farmers angry. C Subramanium who assumed office had to face opposition from the Cabinet and even the erstwhile Planning Commission for initiating reforms in the agriculture sector.