Updated

Tens of thousands of Indian farmers are rallying in New Delhi to protest the government's plans to ease rules for obtaining land for industrial projects.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says the 2013 law meant to protect land owners from land grabbing and forced relocation creates obstacles that are spooking investors. He and industrial leaders argue that the rules should be simplified in order to boost manufacturing and entice foreign businesses to India.

The proposed reforms have sparked fierce protest by India's hundreds of millions of farmers, workers unions, rights activists and opposition politicians. They say Modi's government is catering to corporate interests while trampling on hard-won rights and protections for the poor.

The opposition Congress party insists safeguards passed when it was in power in 2013 be upheld.