Pune (Maharashtra) [India], December 23 : On the occasion of Kisan Diwas, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan emphasized the Central Government's commitment to farmers' welfare under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.
Kisan Diwas commemorates the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh. Noting this, Chauhan praised Singh's dedication to farmers' welfare and agriculture, adding that he opposed former PM Jawaharlal Nehru's policies while in Congress.
"Today is Kisan Diwas. The birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh is celebrated as Kisan Diwas. He devoted his entire life to the service of farmers and agriculture...While in Congress, he opposed Nehru ji's policies. We celebrate his birthday as Kisan Diwas," he said.
The Union Minister said that the Minimum Support Price (MSP) has been doubled in the last 10 years adding that PM Modi has always taken decisions in the best interest of the farmers.
"Under the leadership of PM Modi, we are working for the welfare of farmers...MSP has been doubled in the last 10 years to give fair price and purchase has been done many times more than the Congress or UPA government... The government stands with the farmers in times of crisis... PM Modi has always taken decisions in the best interest of farmers," he said.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to former PM and Bharat Ratna awardee Chaudhary Charan Singh on his birth anniversary.
In a post on X, PM Modi praised Chaudhary Charan's unwavering commitment to the welfare of the poor and farmers.
"Humble tribute to former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Chaudhary Charan Singh ji, a true well-wisher of the poor and farmers, on his birth anniversary. His dedication and service to the nation will continue to inspire everyone," the Prime Minister said.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also posted on X and paid his tribute to the former Prime Minister.
"Chaudhary Charan Singh Ji, who dedicated his entire life to the rights of farmers and the underprivileged, fought bravely against the anti-democracy forces during the Emergency. Throughout his life, he showed that even a common man can reach the highest post in the country by making service his resolution. His personality and deeds are an inexhaustible source of inspiration for every social worker," Shah said.
"On the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister and great farmer leader of the country, Bharat Ratna Chaudhary Charan Singh ji, I remember and pay my tribute to him," he added.