The Narendra Modi government will invite protesting farmers to end the stalemate that has continued despite the repeal of the three farm reforms laws, said Union Minister of Animal Husbandry Purushottam Rupala on Friday.

Speaking at the Agenda Aaj Tak event in Delhi, Rupala said, “The government is open to hold talks with the protesting farmers, our leaders are open to it. We will move forward We will also invite them [for talks].”

“I cannot announce the date for [such an invitation and talks] but I can say that talks must be held and all the issues resolved. All the issued should only be resolved through dialogue,” Rupala said.

On the demand for a legal guarantee for MSP (minimum support price) for crops, Rupala said, “The government has taken a decision on MSP that farmers should get 50 per cent over and above of their input cost as recommended by the MS Swaminathan Commission report. The government has accepted the recommendation. That MSP is already being given to the farmers.”

Sharing the dais with Rupala, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala countered Rupala saying that if farmers were being given MSP why the farmers were sitting on protest on Delhi borders.

Surjewala said it was the Congress party and its leader Rahul Gandhi who took lead in protesting the three farms reforms laws with a tractor.

To a question whether Rupala knew about PM Modi’s announcement to withdraw the three farm reforms laws, he said, “It was known to me.”