A BJP MLA from Rajasthan in a video has said that the farmers protesting nearby Delhi borders can encourage a countrywide bird flu problem as they are eating chicken biryani to spread the epidemic.
In a video going viral on social media, Ramganj Mandi MLA Madan Dilawar said that those involved in creating chaos in the country could be "terrorists, robbers, and thieves".
Mr Dilawar in the video has attacked the farmers saying that their protest is just like a picnic. They are not giving a thought to the country nor its people.
"They are merely relishing biryani. They are eating kaju-badam (dry fruits). They are enjoying in all ways. They are changing their appearances frequently. There could be many terrorists among them. Thieves and looters, too. They could be the enemies of farmers," Mr Dilawar said.
Mr Dilawar added, "I suspect that if the government does not remove them in the next few days, either by pleading or by use of force, then the country will face the problem of bird flu.”
Mr Dilawar's comments have attracted sharp criticism from the opposition.
Rajasthan Congress chief Govind Singh Dotasra, said yesterday that such comments reveal BJP's thinking. Referring to the comments as "shameful", Mr Dotasra tweeted asking, "Are you calling this movement of the food-providers, of those who feed you, a picnic, and responsible for bird flu?"
These comments have come at a time when several states including Kerala, Rajasthan, Himachal, Haryana have reported an outbreak of avian flu.
Earlier, too, visuals were circulated on social media alleging that these farmers were just enjoying eating biryani at the protest site and have also been called ‘Naxals’ and ‘Khalistanis’.
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Thousands of farmers have been protesting against the farm laws demanding the repeal of the three agriculture laws.
While several volunteers and NGOs have come forward to help farmers with food, water, shelter, and sanitation, several farmer groups themselves have been ensuring supplies such as food grain, oil, and biscuits.