BJP MP Janardan Mishra apologises for remarks on farmers after row over Gowardhan Puja speech

BJP MP Janardan Mishra on Wednesday apologised for his remarks on farmers. Two days after the controversy began, he said his words had been distorted and that he never intended to insult farmers.

The matter dates to Monday, when Mishra spoke at a Govardhan Puja event in Mauganj district. A video of the speech went viral on social media. In it, Mishra was heard saying that a farmer works only three months a year and spends the other nine months playing cards, chewing gutkha, drinking liquor and smoking ganja.

Farmers' organisations and the Congress objected to the statement. The National Kisan Mazdoor Mahasangh demanded that the BJP MP apologise publicly. Some farmers also approached the police and demanded that an FIR be registered against Mishra.

In a video released on Wednesday, Mishra gave his explanation. He said he had gone to a gaushala in Mauganj for Govardhan Puja, where he spoke about farmers' problems and the development of villages.

Mishra said he himself comes from a farming family. According to him, he understands the difficulties of farming and the troubles and needs of farmers. He also mentioned financial hardship and the challenges linked to farming.

In the video, Mishra said: "On November 9, I had gone to the Akri gaushala in Mauganj district for Govardhan Puja. Farmers were present there and I discussed their problems, losses and gains with them. But some words came out unintentionally, which hurt farmers' sentiments. I had no such intention."

Mishra claimed that his speech had been presented wrongly. However, he admitted that his words may have caused farmers pain. He said: "If any farmer brother has been hurt by my statement or speech, which has been distorted, I apologise for it."

Mishra also said he had no intention of insulting farmers or causing them mental distress.