Farmers Movement Archive

My farmers’ protest remarks were misunderstood: Danve

Aurangabad: Union minister of state Raosaheb Danve, whose statement on the ongoing farmers’ protest outside Delhi has drawn flak, said his comments had been “misunderstood”. He said this while wrapping up a news conference in the city on Tuesday. Danve, who is the minister of state for consumer affairs, food and public distribution, while addressing a gathering in the Takli village in Jalna district on December 9, had said, “China and Pakistan are behind the farmers’ protest on Delhi border”. His statement had sparked a huge row with several political and non-political organisations, including the Shiv Sena, taking to roads and demanding an apology. Members of the Praja Janshakti Party (PJP) had held a protest in front of the minister’s bungalow in Aurangabad city and had climbed an overhead water tank. They got off the water tank only after 30 hours following the district guardian minister’s intervention. Other organisations across the state too protested and sought an apology from Danve. On being asked about the apology sought by different political and non-political organisations, Danve said, “Farming is in my genes. I will never make any anti-farmer statements.” Avoiding any further questions on this matter, Danve added: “The three laws enacted for the benefit of the farmers would prove to be beneficial. They are a step towards doubling their income.” He pointed out that there were no reactions to the new farm laws for almost a month after they were passed. The negative reactions only started recently, he said.

The Times of India

2020-12-16

Aurangabad