Mumbai, Aug 9 (NationPress) The Shiv Sena (UBT) raised questions on Saturday regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's sudden acknowledgment of the farmers in India. The Saamana editorial, the party's official publication, suggested that the Prime Minister, facing challenges both at home and abroad, is now attempting to use farmers as a protective measure in light of the ongoing crisis.

According to the editorial, "PM Modi is entangled in a predicament regarding how to navigate the serious situation triggered by the 50 percent 'tariff bomb' dropped on India by US President and his close associate, Donald Trump. This will adversely impact farmers the most. While farmers are already disenchanted with the government, PM Modi has started to cater to their needs more than ever. He seems to be facing hurdles when it comes to addressing farmers' issues," stated the Thackeray faction in Saamana.

During an address on Thursday, Prime Minister Modi declared, "I am prepared to pay any personal cost, but I will never compromise on the welfare of farmers." This statement was made at a global conference celebrating the legacy of renowned agricultural scientist, Dr. MS Swaminathan, on the occasion of his birth centenary. It sparked a range of reactions across the nation, particularly on social media.

PM Modi emphasized, "Our dedication to the welfare of the country’s farmers remains steadfast. I will never compromise on the interests of my farmers, cattle rearers, and fisherman brothers and sisters."

The Saamana editorial pointed out that PM Modi's remarks come amidst rising tensions between India and the US due to an increased import duty on Indian agricultural products.

It questioned this newfound affection for farmers, reflecting on the government's previous treatment of them during protests. It posed the question, “Who has treated the farmers of this nation like adversaries until recently? Which administration enacted three controversial laws that undermined farmers' interests? Who restricted our farmers from protesting in the national capital? Who regarded them as foes and laid obstacles in their path? Isn't it ironic that PM Modi is now recalling the rights and interests of the very farmers who faced tear gas and rubber bullets?”

During the Swaminathan birth centenary celebrations, where PM Modi addressed farmers' concerns, the Thackeray faction reminded that he had pledged to implement the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations back in 2014. The government had also committed to compensating farmers based on production costs and establishing a minimum support price for their produce. Furthermore, it announced that it would cover the complete price of all agricultural products, along with a 50 percent profit margin.

“It would have been more beneficial if the Prime Minister reiterated the government's promises regarding the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission report during the event. PM Modi's aspiration to double farmers' income has yet to materialize. In fact, fertilizer and seed prices have surged, while agricultural product prices have stagnated. Consequently, farmers are grappling with fertilizer shortages, black marketing, and the challenges posed by inferior quality seeds. Agriculture has faced significant setbacks, and farmers have grown poorer. Many of the issues confronting farmers today emerged or were exacerbated during PM Modi's tenure. Yet, the government that once viewed farmers as adversaries is now attempting to win their sympathy in the wake of America's tariff bomb,” the editorial asserted.

Referring to a recent statement by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, that “when all else fails, the public is remembered,” the UBT stated that this observation “fits PM Modi perfectly.” “If the Prime Minister claims he is willing to pay a personal cost for farmers, it suggests he may be grappling with an unknown fear,” the editorial concluded.