Opposition protesting against farm bills because 'source of black money' shut: PM

New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday slammed Opposition for provoking farmers and protesting against the new farm bills cleared by the President. "Those opposing farm laws are insulting farmers," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said one day after a group of protesters burned down a tractor at India Gate.

"Several reforms, related to farmers, labourers and health, were brought during the recently concluded Parliament session. These reforms will strengthen labourers, youth, women, farmers of the nation. But the nation can see how some people are opposing it just for the sake of it," PM Modi said while inaugurating development projects in Uttarakhand though video-conferencing.

"They are insulting the farmers by setting fire to the machines and equipment that is worshipped by them," he said.

PM Modi claimed that some of the leaders are misleading farmers over the minimum support price or MSP. "There will not only be MSP in the country but also the freedom for farmers to sell their produce anywhere. But some people are unable to tolerate this freedom. Their one more medium to earn black income is finished," he said.

The BJP, on the other hand, accused Congress of trying to "mislead" the farmers and said the opposition party has "shamed" the country with the "drama" aimed at "gaining publicity".