4 years ago
New Delhi:
The farmers rejected the government's proposals for changes in laws, even as the Centre in a written proposal assured the minimum support price for crops. The farmers' groups received the proposal with amendments that the government intends to carry out.
The farmers also said they will block the Delhi-Jaipur highway on December 12 and nationwide dharnas will be called on December 14.
This comes a day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah's talks with farmers ended in failure as farmer leaders rejected the government's offer to amend new farm laws, saying they would settle for nothing less than the scrapping of the statutes.
Meanwhile, the Opposition parties led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met President Ram Nath Kovind and sought repeal of the three farm laws.
The opposition leaders submitted a memorandum to the President that said, "We urge upon you, as the custodian of the Indian Constitution, to persuade your government not to be obdurate and accept the demands raised by India's annadatas."
Here are the Highlights on farmers' protests:
Haryana Congress Chief Kumari Selja, Indian National Lok Dal Leader Abhay Singh Chautala, Separately Meet Farmers At Tikri Border
Ms Selja, who had on Monday met the farmers near Singhu border, extended full support to their ongoing agitation.
Interacting with farmers, she said, "It is extremely unfortunate that the ''annadata'' (farmers) of our country are compelled to agitate on the roads in this cold weather, but the central government is adamant on its stand."
"The government should immediately repeal these black laws," she added.
Haryana Congress President Kumari Selja and Indian National Lok Dal leader Abhay Singh Chautala on Wednesday separately met protesting farmers at Tikri border and said the entire country stands with them against the Centre's new farm laws.
Ms Selja, who had on Monday met the farmers near Singhu border, extended full support to their ongoing agitation.
Interacting with farmers, she said, "It is extremely unfortunate that the ''annadata'' (farmers) of our country are compelled to agitate on the roads in this cold weather, but the central government is adamant on its stand."
"The government should immediately repeal these black laws," she added.
Stop Playing Games With Farmers: Shiromani Akali Dal To Centre
"These proposals were nothing but delaying and diversionary tactics and tricks which have rightly been rejected by the farmers," it said.
"We are with the farmers in everything and in every way," it added.
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) asked the BJP-led Centre to "stop playing games" with farmers and withdraw the three farm laws "immediately and unconditionally".
"These proposals were nothing but delaying and diversionary tactics and tricks which have rightly been rejected by the farmers," it said.
"We are with the farmers in everything and in every way," it added.
Farmers' Protest Live: Farmers Gathered At Nirankari Samagam Ground In Delhi, Refuse To Utilise Government Amenities
Delhi: Farmers gathered at Nirankari Samagam ground in Burari, refuse to utilise government amenities
- ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2020
"A struggle is always done by ones' own abilities. We accept help from sympathisers to the cause but not from governments. They only act to garner votes," says a farmer leader pic.twitter.com/19qCmhzmqO
Farmers' Protest Updates: Rahul Gandhi-Led Opposition Delegation Meet President, Seek Repeal Of Farm Laws
"We sought repeal of farm laws during meeting with President. They were passed without any discussion," Rahul Gandhi said, adding that the farm bills are an "insult" to farmers.
"We told the President that the three farm laws were passed undemocratically in the Parliament and have sought repeal of laws," Opposition leader Sitaram Yechury said.
Five opposition leaders, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Nationalist Congress Party Chief Sharad Pawar met President Ram Nath Kovind seeking repeal of the farm laws today.
"We sought repeal of farm laws during meeting with President. They were passed without any discussion," Rahul Gandhi said, adding that the farm bills are an "insult" to farmers.
"We told the President that the three farm laws were passed undemocratically in the Parliament and have sought repeal of laws," Opposition leader Sitaram Yechury said.
"The Proposal Is An Insult To Farmers": Farmers Reject Govertment’s Proposal
Farmer leaders rejected the government's offer to amend the new farm laws, saying they would settle for nothing less than the scrapping of the legislations.
Addressing the media, farmer leaders, said nationwide dharnas will take place on December 14, adding farmers will be called from across the country to reach Delhi.
The farmers alleged that the government is helping the corporates. "We will boycott Jio products. There cannot be any more discussions," they said.
"The proposal is an insult to farmers. The proposal is also an insult to the Indian citizens. There is nothing new in the proposal," the farmers said.
Farmer leaders rejected the government's offer to amend the new farm laws, saying they would settle for nothing less than the scrapping of the legislations.
Addressing the media, farmer leaders, said nationwide dharnas will take place on December 14, adding farmers will be called from across the country to reach Delhi.
The farmers alleged that the government is helping the corporates. "We will boycott Jio products. There cannot be any more discussions," they said.
"The proposal is an insult to farmers. The proposal is also an insult to the Indian citizens. There is nothing new in the proposal," the farmers said.
We Reject The Government's Proposals: President Of Krantikari Kisan Union
We reject the government's proposals: Darshan Pal, President of Krantikari Kisan Union at Singhu (Delhi-Haryana border)#FarmLaws pic.twitter.com/FmBgyqAiU2
- ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2020
Farmers' Protest: Rahul Gandhi Reaches Rashtrapati Bhawan For A Meeting Of Opposition Delegation With President Ram Nath Kovind
Farmers' Protest Live: Congress Leader Digvijaya Singh Pitches For Joint Parliamentary Committee To Resolve Farmers' Issue
"Modi ji should leave his stubbornness. It is a matter concerning farmers. Such stubbornness is not right for anyone. All three laws should be repealed. Joint Parliamentary Committee should be formed that will find a solution after talking to farmers," Mr Singh said.
The Congress leader also defended his tweet wherein he stated that he does not have any hope from President Ram Nath Kovind ahead of his meeting with a joint delegation of opposition parties to be held on Wednesday regarding the recently promulgated farm laws.
Demanding three farm laws should be repealed, Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Wednesday said Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) should be formed to find a solution after talking to farmers, ANI reported.
"Modi ji should leave his stubbornness. It is a matter concerning farmers. Such stubbornness is not right for anyone. All three laws should be repealed. Joint Parliamentary Committee should be formed that will find a solution after talking to farmers," Mr Singh said.
The Congress leader also defended his tweet wherein he stated that he does not have any hope from President Ram Nath Kovind ahead of his meeting with a joint delegation of opposition parties to be held on Wednesday regarding the recently promulgated farm laws.
Farm Laws Do Not Affect The MSP System And APMC Mandis, Says Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar
Farmers' Protest: If Centre's proposal talks of only amendments then we will reject it, says farmer leader
All three farm laws should be repealed. This is our demand.
- ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2020
If the proposal talks of only amendments then we will reject it: Kanwalpreet Singh Pannu, Kisan Sangharsh Committee, Punjab at Singhu border pic.twitter.com/3cSEDTfElK
Farmers' Protest Latest News: Centre offers written assurance to farmers on crop prices
The government said the Minimum support price (MSP) for crops will stay as it gave a written proposal to protesting farmers, a day after their meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah failed to resolve the deadlock, with both sides remaining firm on their positions.
Farmers' groups held a meeting at one of the Delhi-Haryana borders, with union leaders saying they would settle for nothing less than the scrapping of the legislations. A big meeting scheduled for today with Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar - the sixth since the protests started - was called off yesterday.
Farmers Protest Live: Shiv Sena says ''Bharat Bandh'' befitting reply to ''state-backed anarchy'': Sena
The Shiv Sena on Wednesday said the ''Bharat Bandh'' observed by farmers' organisations against the Centre's new agri laws was a befitting reply to the "state-sponsored anarchy".
An editorial in Shiv Sena mouthpiece ''Saamana'' alleged that the BJP-led government at the Centre wants to keep the Damocles' sword of "fear and terror" hanging on the country for its own political interests.
"Instead of resolving unrest in the country, it wants to keep it (unrest) burning," it charged.
Various farmer unions observed the ''Bharat Bandh'' on Tuesday, demanding a repeal of the new agri laws.
The Shiv Sena on Wednesday said the ''Bharat Bandh'' observed by farmers' organisations against the Centre's new agri laws was a befitting reply to the "state-sponsored anarchy".
An editorial in Shiv Sena mouthpiece ''Saamana'' alleged that the BJP-led government at the Centre wants to keep the Damocles' sword of "fear and terror" hanging on the country for its own political interests.
"Instead of resolving unrest in the country, it wants to keep it (unrest) burning," it charged.
Various farmer unions observed the ''Bharat Bandh'' on Tuesday, demanding a repeal of the new agri laws.
Farmers Protest: Laws Must Be Scrapped, Say Farmers As Centre Sends Proposal: 10 PointsFarmers' groups are meeting at one of the Delhi-Haryana borders after their meeting last night with Union Home Minister Amit Shah failed to resolve the deadlock, with both sides remaining firm on their positions. The big meeting scheduled for today with Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar - the sixth since the protests started - has been called off. Farmer leaders rejected the government's offer to amend new farm laws, saying they would settle for nothing less than the scrapping of the legislations." itemprop="description
Farmers Protest Live: Bharat Bandh perfect answer to government-backed anarchy, says Shiv Sena
Calling Tuesday's Bharat bandh by protesting farmers a perfect answer to "government-backed anarchy", Shiv Sena on Wednesday alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Centre is calling the agitators Khalistanis to get "political mileage" by projecting itself as a "saviour".
"The Hindusthan bandh called by the farmers, whom the BJP is calling terrorists and Khalistanis, was widely successful... The BJP's cyber cell has control over every medium and system. Nevertheless, they could not stop the farmers' movement and its effect was seen across the country. This is the perfect answer to government-backed anarchy," Shiv Sena said in its mouthpiece Saamna.
The party alleged that the topic of Khalistan, which was "over", is linked to the farmers'' movement to create an "illusion" to spread a "perpetual fear" in the country.
Calling Tuesday's Bharat bandh by protesting farmers a perfect answer to "government-backed anarchy", Shiv Sena on Wednesday alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Centre is calling the agitators Khalistanis to get "political mileage" by projecting itself as a "saviour".
"The Hindusthan bandh called by the farmers, whom the BJP is calling terrorists and Khalistanis, was widely successful... The BJP's cyber cell has control over every medium and system. Nevertheless, they could not stop the farmers' movement and its effect was seen across the country. This is the perfect answer to government-backed anarchy," Shiv Sena said in its mouthpiece Saamna.
The party alleged that the topic of Khalistan, which was "over", is linked to the farmers'' movement to create an "illusion" to spread a "perpetual fear" in the country.
Farmers' Protest Live: Laws Must Be Scrapped, Say Farmers As Centre Draws Up Proposal
Farmers' groups are meeting at one of the Delhi-Haryana borders after their meeting last night with Union Home Minister Amit Shah failed to resolve the deadlock, with both sides remaining firm on their positions. The big meeting scheduled for today with Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar - the sixth since the protests started - has been called off. Farmer leaders rejected the government's offer to amend new farm laws, saying they would settle for nothing less than the scrapping of the legislations.
Farmers' groups are meeting at one of the Delhi-Haryana borders after their meeting last night with Union Home Minister Amit Shah failed to resolve the deadlock, with both sides remaining firm on their positions. The big meeting scheduled for today with Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar - the sixth since the protests started - has been called off. Farmer leaders rejected the government's offer to amend new farm laws, saying they would settle for nothing less than the scrapping of the legislations.
Farmers Protest Latest News: If government is stubborn, so are farmers; law has to be withdrawn, says farmer leader
We'll strategise in our meeting & discuss their (Centre) proposal. Farmers won't go back, it's a matter of their respect. Will Govt not withdraw laws? Will there be tyranny? If Govt is stubborn, so are farmers. Law has to be withdrawn: Rakesh Tikait, Spox, Bharatiya Kisan Union pic.twitter.com/gcspm4YDQk
- ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2020
Farmers Protest Live: Protest not in favour of country, farmers should accept proposal, says Union Minister
Asserting that the ongoing farmers' protest is in favour of neither the country nor Punjab, Som Prakash, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, on Wednesday said they should end the agitation and accept the Centre's proposal "if most of their demands are met".
"The ongoing farmers' protest is in favour of neither the country nor Punjab. On Tuesday, the Centre listened to their demands in detail, based on which a proposal with all possible amendments will be sent to the farmers for deliberation. Yesterday, Union minister Amit Shah, along with others, met a delegation of farmers for the sixth time. After that, they will tell us their future course of action. We have already done five rounds of meetings with the farmers," said Mr Prakash.
Asserting that the ongoing farmers' protest is in favour of neither the country nor Punjab, Som Prakash, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, on Wednesday said they should end the agitation and accept the Centre's proposal "if most of their demands are met".
"The ongoing farmers' protest is in favour of neither the country nor Punjab. On Tuesday, the Centre listened to their demands in detail, based on which a proposal with all possible amendments will be sent to the farmers for deliberation. Yesterday, Union minister Amit Shah, along with others, met a delegation of farmers for the sixth time. After that, they will tell us their future course of action. We have already done five rounds of meetings with the farmers," said Mr Prakash.
Farmers Meet Day After Talks With Amit Shah Fails To End Deadlock
Farmers' groups are meeting at one of the Delhi-Haryana borders after their meeting last night with Union Home Minister Amit Shah failed to resolve the deadlock, with both sides remaining firm on their positions.
The big meeting scheduled for today with Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar - the sixth since the protests started - has been called off. Farmer leaders rejected the government's offer to amend new farm laws, saying they would settle for nothing less than the scrapping of the legislations.
Crucial sixth round of talks with protesting farmers' unions have been cancelled as the farm leaders decline to attend, said an official government spokesperson to PTI.
Farmers' Protest Live: Traffic near borders in Delhi remains affected
With the ongoing farmers' agitation against the three newly enacted farm laws entering the 14th day, traffic near the borders of the national capital remained affected as several borders between Delhi and neighbouring states remained closed for commuters.
Delhi Traffic Police on Wednesday appealed to citizens to take alternative routes due to Singhu and other borders like Auchandi, Piao Maniyari, Mangesh have been closed for all kinds of traffic movement. The National Highway (NH)-44 is closed from both sides.
Commuters are advised to take alternative routes via Lampur, Safiabad, Saboli, NH8/Bhopra /Apsara borders /Peripheral expressway. The police said that traffic has been diverted from Mukarba and GTK road, and asked the commuters to avoid Outer Ring Road, GTK Road, and NH-44.
With the ongoing farmers' agitation against the three newly enacted farm laws entering the 14th day, traffic near the borders of the national capital remained affected as several borders between Delhi and neighbouring states remained closed for commuters.
Delhi Traffic Police on Wednesday appealed to citizens to take alternative routes due to Singhu and other borders like Auchandi, Piao Maniyari, Mangesh have been closed for all kinds of traffic movement. The National Highway (NH)-44 is closed from both sides.
Commuters are advised to take alternative routes via Lampur, Safiabad, Saboli, NH8/Bhopra /Apsara borders /Peripheral expressway. The police said that traffic has been diverted from Mukarba and GTK road, and asked the commuters to avoid Outer Ring Road, GTK Road, and NH-44.
Farmers' Protest Live: Farmer leaders insist on scrapping of agri legislations, fresh talks cancelled
The sixth round of talks between the government and farmer unions to end the protests on Delhi''s various borders, which was scheduled on Wednesday, has been cancelled.
This comes after many farm leaders had threatened to boycott the talks.
With the Centre-farmer talks ending in a stalemate, thousands of farmers stayed put at Delhi borders on Wednesday to press for repeal of the agri marketing laws.
A meeting called by Home Minister Amit Shah ended in failure on Tuesday night as farmer leaders rejected the government''s offer to amend new farm laws, saying they would settle for nothing less than the scrapping of the legislations.
This comes after many farm leaders had threatened to boycott the talks.
Farmers Protest Latest News: Shiromani Akali Dal Workers Provide free diesel to farmers heading to Delhi
Punjab: Workers of Shiromani Akali Dal are providing free diesel at a petrol pump at Delhi-Amritsar national highway today, to farmers heading to Delhi to join the agitation against Central Government's #FarmLaws. pic.twitter.com/7tTv2myHH5
- ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2020
Farmers' Protest Live Update: We'll hold a meeting over the draft that will be sent by Centre, says farmer leader
We'll hold a meeting over the draft that will be sent by Centre. That meeting (6th round of talks with Govt) is cancelled. Draft will be discussed & further course of action will be decided. We hope things will be clear by 4-5 pm today: Rakesh Tikait, Spox, Bharatiya Kisan Union pic.twitter.com/fWvDTbZaJw
- ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2020
Farmers Protest Live: Protests to continue in Karnataka
More protests by farmers groups are expected in Karnataka today
Earlier on Tuesday, leaders of farmer unions held a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal at Shah's residence, over their demands regarding the three agricultural laws that were passed earlier in September.
After the meeting, All India Kisan Sabha General Secretary Hannan Mollah had told the media that the meeting with the Centre, which was scheduled to take place today, stood cancelled and they will get a proposal from the government on which they will deliberate.
More protests by farmers groups are expected in Karnataka today
Earlier on Tuesday, leaders of farmer unions held a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal at Shah's residence, over their demands regarding the three agricultural laws that were passed earlier in September.
After the meeting, All India Kisan Sabha General Secretary Hannan Mollah had told the media that the meeting with the Centre, which was scheduled to take place today, stood cancelled and they will get a proposal from the government on which they will deliberate.
Farmers' protest enters 14th day, Centre to send draft proposal for deliberation
With farmers firm on their demand about the repealing of the three agriculture laws passed by the Centre in the last monsoon session of Parliament, their protest entered the 14th day on Wednesday with demonstrations continuing on Sant Nirankari Samagam ground in Burari on the outskirts of Delhi and at borders.
Earlier on Tuesday, leaders of farmer unions held a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal at Shah's residence, over their demands regarding the three agricultural laws that were passed earlier in September.
After the meeting, All India Kisan Sabha General Secretary Hannan Mollah had told the media that the meeting with the Centre, which was scheduled to take place today, stood cancelled and they will get a proposal from the government on which they will deliberate.
"No meeting will be held between farmers and the government tomorrow. The Minister has said that a proposal will be given to the farmer leaders tomorrow (December 9). Farmer leaders will hold a meeting over government''s proposal," Mr Mollah had told the media on Tuesday.
With farmers firm on their demand about the repealing of the three agriculture laws passed by the Centre in the last monsoon session of Parliament, their protest entered the 14th day on Wednesday with demonstrations continuing on Sant Nirankari Samagam ground in Burari on the outskirts of Delhi and at borders.
Earlier on Tuesday, leaders of farmer unions held a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal at Shah's residence, over their demands regarding the three agricultural laws that were passed earlier in September.
After the meeting, All India Kisan Sabha General Secretary Hannan Mollah had told the media that the meeting with the Centre, which was scheduled to take place today, stood cancelled and they will get a proposal from the government on which they will deliberate.
"No meeting will be held between farmers and the government tomorrow. The Minister has said that a proposal will be given to the farmer leaders tomorrow (December 9). Farmer leaders will hold a meeting over government''s proposal," Mr Mollah had told the media on Tuesday.
Farmers Protest: No hope from President on farm laws, says Digvijaya Singh
Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Wednesday said, he does not have any hope from President Ram Nath Kovind ahead of his meeting with a joint delegation of opposition parties to be held on Wednesday regarding the recently promulgated Central farm laws.
"A delegation of 24 political parties is going to meet the President today regarding the anti-farmer laws. I don''t have any hope from his majesty. These 24 political parties should also discuss with all the groups under NDA who are with the farmers. Nitishji should mount pressure on Modiji," Mr Singh tweeted (roughly translated from Hindi).
Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Wednesday said, he does not have any hope from President Ram Nath Kovind ahead of his meeting with a joint delegation of opposition parties to be held on Wednesday regarding the recently promulgated Central farm laws.
"A delegation of 24 political parties is going to meet the President today regarding the anti-farmer laws. I don''t have any hope from his majesty. These 24 political parties should also discuss with all the groups under NDA who are with the farmers. Nitishji should mount pressure on Modiji," Mr Singh tweeted (roughly translated from Hindi).
Farmers' Protest Live: Meeting with Amit Shah positive, Centre will give proposal to farmer leaders today, says farmer leader
Describing the meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday evening as ''positive'', Rakesh Tikait, spokesperson of the Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) on Wednesday said that the government would give a draft to the farm leaders today, which would be discussed by the rest of the group.
"I would say that the meeting was positive. The government has taken cognizance of our demands and will give a draft to us tomorrow, which we will deliberate upon," Mr Tikait said after the meeting yesterday.
He however continued to assert that the farmers wanted the complete withdrawal of the three farm bills, while the government wanted to make amendments.
"We have not yet received a date for another meeting. The protest will continue," he added.
Describing the meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday evening as ''positive'', Rakesh Tikait, spokesperson of the Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) on Wednesday said that the government would give a draft to the farm leaders today, which would be discussed by the rest of the group.
"I would say that the meeting was positive. The government has taken cognizance of our demands and will give a draft to us tomorrow, which we will deliberate upon," Mr Tikait said after the meeting yesterday.
He however continued to assert that the farmers wanted the complete withdrawal of the three farm bills, while the government wanted to make amendments.
"We have not yet received a date for another meeting. The protest will continue," he added.
Farmers Protest Live: Only 10% of farmers involved in protest, says Kailash Vijayvargiya
Only 10 per cent of the country's farmers are involved in the ongoing farmers' protest, claimed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya on Tuesday, adding that Canada's support for the agitation should be questioned and understood.
"I think about 90 per cent of farmers are staying away from this protest. Only 10 per cent are involved. It is alarming that countries like Canada are supporting the protest. One should delve deep into why they are supporting and who all are doing politics in the name of our farmers," Mr Vijayvargiya said.
This comes a few days after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke out twice in support of the agitating farmers, saying that he "will always stand up for the right of peaceful protests". Farmers at the Singhu (Delhi-Haryana) border entered their eleventh day of protest on Tuesday against three laws passed by the Centre in September.
Only 10 per cent of the country's farmers are involved in the ongoing farmers' protest, claimed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya on Tuesday, adding that Canada's support for the agitation should be questioned and understood.
"I think about 90 per cent of farmers are staying away from this protest. Only 10 per cent are involved. It is alarming that countries like Canada are supporting the protest. One should delve deep into why they are supporting and who all are doing politics in the name of our farmers," Mr Vijayvargiya said.
This comes a few days after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke out twice in support of the agitating farmers, saying that he "will always stand up for the right of peaceful protests". Farmers at the Singhu (Delhi-Haryana) border entered their eleventh day of protest on Tuesday against three laws passed by the Centre in September.
Amit Shah's Talks With Farmer Leaders Fail, No Meeting Today
Sources said farmers' unions were given a presentation on the bills on Tuesday and a proposal will be sent to farm leaders today with written amendments that the government intends to carry out.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah's meeting with protesting farmers on Tuesday evening - indicating the involvement of the government's highest level to resolve the deadlock over the contentious farm laws - failed, with both sides remaining firm on their positions.
The farmers refused to accept the government's offer of amendment in the laws, sticking to their demand for a complete scrapping. The big meeting scheduled for today with Agriculture Minister Naresh Tomar - the sixth since the protests started - has been called off.
