Modi says Opposition misleading farmers; alleges conspiracy to confuse them

Without naming the Indian National Congress, which has backed the farmers' protest, Modi said, "People who are sitting in the Opposition and misleading farmers today were in the favor of these farm reforms during their government."

"They could not make a decision during their government," the PM said, "When the country has taken these steps, they are now confusing the farmers."

Modi said the farmers' interests have been his government's priority since day one. "The government is ready 24 hours to solve their every doubt."

"The country is asking why small farmers who produce grains and pulses should not get the freedom to sell crops," Modi said, referring to clauses under the new laws that allow trade outside Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) mandis.

For months, farmers have protested against the three farm laws passed in September.

The protests intensified in late-November as thousands of farmers from several states reached Delhi, braving a police crackdown.

Farmers fear that by allowing trade outside APMC mandis, the laws will weaken the mandis and they would be deprived of Minimum Support Prices (MSPs), leaving them vulnerable to exploitation by corporations.

The government has held multiple rounds of talks with farmer leaders to relieve their apprehensions about the laws.

A proposal to amend the laws was also presented to the leaders, however, it was rejected as the farmers stood firm on their demand for a complete rollback.

Meanwhile, the government's claims that the protests have been hijacked by "Khalistani" forces have further fuelled public anger.