Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday told an all-party meeting that the offer to suspend the farm laws for 18 months still stood, marking his first direct intervention at a time the farmers’ protests have made an electrifying turnaround after the Republic Day setback.
“During the all-party meet, PM @narendramodi assured that GOI (government of India) is approaching the farmers’ issue with an open mind,” parliamentary affairs minister Pralhad Joshi tweeted after the virtual all-party meeting before the budget session.
“The PM said GOI’s stand is the same as it was on January 22nd — proposal by agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar still stands. He (Modi) reiterated what Tomar ji said — that he (Tomar) is a phone call away for talks.”
Modi has so far resolutely backed the three new farm laws and claimed they have the support of the majority of farmers. He has not reached out directly to the protesters.