‘PM Narendra Modi’s presence is recognition of mood against BJP’

Is Rahul Gandhi’s absence reason for the lukewarm response to the Congress protest?
Absolutely not. Anyway, it’s wrong to say we had a lukewarm response. It was a symbolic protest, not meant to be a big rally. We wanted to send a warning to the government through a symbolic protest — that it should listen to farmers. If the government goes ahead and passes the bill, we will consider holding huge protest rallies.

Today, you linked the PM’s presence in the House to the increasing anger against the government among the public…
There is no doubt that the PM’s presence in the House has got something to do with it. We have seen in the last three sessions that the PM was absent. His absence was an issue and it made a Trinamool MP comment that he needs a visa here. But in this session, we have seen him in the House. There is some realisation that a large section of population has turned against the BJP. There is an impression that this government works only for corporate interests and poor sections are neglected. Perhaps this could be the reason behind his presence in Parliament these days.

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How has the opposition united on the land bill?
When the minister tried to table the bill, the opposition was united in demanding that it be sent to a standing committee. Most political parties are united and I am grateful to the floor leaders for it. The Congress is in constant touch with other floor leaders and we will try to form strategies based on issues.

How do you view the BJP’s attempts to take steps such as calling a joint session for the passage of controversial bills?
If a joint session is called to pass the land Act, it will be a black day for farmers.