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Never called farmers' protest politically motivated, Shah contradicts Haryana CM's 'Khalistani' jibe

YB WEB DESK. Dated: 11/30/2020 11:49:09 AM

New Delhi, Nov 29 Addressing media outlets in Hyderabad on Sunday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said he never referred to the ongoing farmers' agitation as politically motivated. "I never called the farmers' protest politically motivated, neither I am calling it now," Amit Shah said. The Home Minister is in Hyderabad to take part in public meetings and rallies ahead of the GHMC civic body elections. He went on to add, "We're going to free Hyderabad from the Nawab, Nizam culture and create a mini-India here." Amit Shah's statement on Sunday over the farmers' protest was in broad contrast to the views of Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal. The Haryana CM had said that the 'Delhi Chalo' protest march organised by agitating farmers has the support of political parties. While alleging that Punjab farmers and not Haryana farmers are responsible for the stir, Haryana CM Manohar Lal even went to the extent of hinting at a 'Khalistani' link. On Saturday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had appealed to farmers to move their protest to the designated venue. "I appeal to the protesting farmers that government of India is ready to hold talks. Agriculture Minister [Narendra Singh Tomar] has invited them on December 3 for discussion. Government is ready to deliberate on every problem and demand of the farmers," he had said. President of the Bharatiya Kisan Union's Punjab unit, Jagjit Singh had told media outlets in response, "Amit Shah ji has called for an early meeting on a condition, it's not good. He should've offered talks with an open heart without condition. We will hold meeting tomorrow morning to decide our response." Agitating farmers are demanding a complete withdrawal of the Centre's three new farm