'Andolanjivis' hijacked 'sacred' farmers' protest: PM Modi

Repeating his "andolanjivi" attack against those instigating the ongoing farmers' protests, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said 'andolanjivi' hijack 'sacred' farmers' protests.

'Kisan Andolan' is sacred, but when 'andolanjivis' hijack it and show pictures of those jailed for terrorism, what purpose does it serve," the Prime Minister said in Lok Sabha during his reply to the discussion on the motion of thanks to the President''s address to the joint sitting of Parliament.

"Attacking mobile towers, attack highways toll plazas and preventing toll collection will serve a purpose?," the PM said.

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"It is important for the country to differentiate between 'Andolanjeevis' and 'Andolankari'," he said.

"I consider 'Kisan Andolan' to be holy. But, when 'Andolanjeevis' hijack 'Pavitra Andolans'," he said.

Earlier, PM Modi had used the term 'andolanjeevi' first during his speech in Rajya Sabha.

On Monday, PM Modi had said, "We are familiar with the words shramjeevi and buddhijeevi? But a new "breed" of agitators called "andolanjivi" has emerged in the country, who cannot live without an agitation and the nation should guard against them."

The PM's remarks have evoked strong reactions from the opposition parties and the farmer unions, who accused him of insulting the movement.