Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Agriculture Minister responded to Rakesh Tikait's "40 lakh tractor" remark on Wednesday. After Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait cautions the government about second tractor march and this time with 40 lakh tractors, Tomar said the government is ready to discuss.
Tomar also reiterated that the government is committed to the welfare of farmers.
Tomar was quoted by Hindustan Times. He said, “The government of India is committed to double farmers' income and work towards agriculture's welfare. Discussions have been held many times. If they have a point to raise even now, we are ready to discuss.”
If the Centre doesn’t repeal the three farm laws, the protesting farmers will “gherao Parliament”, BKU farmer leader Rakesh Tikait said on Tuesday while addressing a Kisan Mahapanchayat of United Kisan Morcha in Sikar, Rajasthan. This looks like another warning from the farmer leader when he asked the farmers to be ready as the call for “Delhi March” can be given at any time.
He said, "This time the call will be for Parliament gherao. We will announce it and then march towards Delhi. This time 40 lakh tractors will be there instead of four lakh tractors.”
The agitating farmers would plough the parks near the India Gate and cultivate crops there, said Tikait, adding that the leaders of the United Front will pick a date to gherao (surround) the Parliament.
He further added that the violence that broke during the tractor march on Republic Day was a conspiracy to defame the framers of this country. "The farmers of the country love the Tricolour, but not the leaders of this country," he said.
Read More: New warning to govt: Rakesh Tikait says revoke farm laws or farmers will “gherao Parliament”