Farmers Movement Archive

Nation pained by Tricolour insult: PM

New Delhi, January 31The country was saddened by insult to the Tricolour on Republic Day in Delhi, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his “Mann ki Baat” broadcast on Sunday.Reiterating his stance on the farm laws, he said his government was committed to “modernising” farming and had been taking steps in this direction. “The efforts of the government will continue in future,” he said.Recounting developments in January, including India’s remarkable Test series win over Australia, Modi made a brief reference to the farmers’ tractor parade which witnessed violence.“Amid all this, the country was saddened by insult to the Tricolour. We have to infuse times to come with new hope and novelty. Last year, we displayed exemplary patience and courage. This year too, we have to work hard to attain our resolves,” he said. About the success of the cricket team, the PM said after initial setbacks, they made a grand comeback and won the series.On Padma awards, he said the recipients comprised people who had done excellent work in myriad fields. Through their endeavour, they had changed someone’s life, taking the country forward, he said.On Covid vaccination drive, Modi said India was undertaking the world’s biggest such programme.Meanwhile, Rakesh Tikait and his brother Naresh Tikait, who are leading the stir, said protesting farmers will honour the dignity of the Prime Minister, but are also committed to protecting their self-respect. They said they were open to talks to find a ‘middle path’, which could be the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government not implementing the three laws during its tenure.

The Tribune

2021-02-01