Union minister Raosaheb Danve has claimed that China and Pakistan were behind the ongoing protests by farmers, who are seeking repeal of three new farm laws.
He also alleged that Muslims were earlier misled over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), but as those efforts did not succeed, now farmers were being told that they will face losses due to the new laws.
¡°The agitation that is going on is not that of farmers. China and Pakistan have a hand behind this. Muslims in this country were incited first. What was said (to them)? That NRC is coming, CAA is coming and Muslims will have to leave this country in six months. Did a single Muslim leave? ¡°Those efforts didn¡¯t succeed and now farmers are being told that they will face losses. This is the conspiracy of other countries,¡± Danve said.
Clearly, the minister did not have enough insight to back his remarks claiming the two neighbouring countries are behind the farmers¡¯ protests.
Shiv Sena M Sanjay Raut was quick enough to react to Danve's claim. Raut retorted saying defence minister Rajnath Singh should immediately carry out a surgical strike on both countries, adding that the government should deal with this issue seriously.
While addressing reporters, Raut said, ¡°If a Union minister has information that China and Pakistan have a hand behind farmers¡¯ agitation, then the defence minister should immediately conduct a surgical strike on China and Pak. The President, PM, HM and Chiefs of the Armed Forces should discuss this issue seriously.¡±
Many took to Twitter to criticise Danve's comments:
Farmers' protests entered day 14 today as the stalemate between farmer unions and the government continues over contentious farm laws.