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During the meeting between protesting farmers and Union minister Amit Shah this evening, which failed to resolve the deadlock over the farm laws, the government offered to make amendments to the laws, which the farmers refused to accept, remaining firm on their demand for a scrapping of the contentious laws.
"No meeting will be held between farmers ad the government tomorrow. The minister has said that a proposal will be given to the farmer leaders tomorrow. Farmer leaders will hold a meeting over government's proposal," says Hannan Mollah, General Secretary of All India Kisan Sabha.
The Home Minister's invite, indicating that the government is engaging with the farmers at the highest level, came earlier today as a nationwide shutdown called by protesting farmers hit road and rail traffic in parts of the country, blocked many highways and shut down markets, affecting supplies.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) alleged this morning that the Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, has been placed under "house arrest" by the police ever since he met with the protesting farmers yesterday and has been forced to cancel his meetings. The Delhi Police, however, denied the charge.
Opposition parties, including the Congress, NCP, Aam Aadmi Party, DMK and TRS, backed the Bharat Bandh on Tuesday. They will meet with President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday to convey their stand and concerns.
Here are the Live Updates on Bharat Bandh:
Jammu and Kashmir: All J&K Transport Welfare Association members staged a protest at Bikram Chowk in Jammu in support of Bharat Bandh called by farmer unions against #FarmLaws, earlier today. pic.twitter.com/RHBiS3VxlZ
- ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2020
Bharat Bandh Live Updates: Government not ready to take back farm laws, says All India Kisan Sabha
The government is not ready to take back the farm laws, says Hannan Mollah, General Secretary of All India Kisan Sabha. "Tomorrow we will hold a meeting at Singhu border (Delhi-Haryana border) at 12 pm."
The government is not ready to take back the farm laws, says Hannan Mollah, General Secretary of All India Kisan Sabha. "Tomorrow we will hold a meeting at Singhu border (Delhi-Haryana border) at 12 pm."
No meeting will be held between farmers & govt tomorrow. The minister has said that a proposal will be given to the farmer leaders tomorrow. Farmer leaders will hold a meeting over govt's proposal: Hannan Mollah, General Secy, All India Kisan Sabha pic.twitter.com/M1lItQ1kGg
- ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2020
Farmers, agriculture key for economic growth: Ashok Gehlot
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said farmers and agriculture are key for growth of the country's economy and their upliftment is the top priority of the state government.
He said that the cooperation of banks is important in the development of agriculture sector. NABARD and cooperative banks as well as nationalised banks should extend credit facilities for agriculture and allied sectors so that the financial needs of the farmers are met in a timely manner and paves the way for their prosperity, Mr Gehlot added.
Congress misleading farmers with Bharat Bandh: Rajasthan BJP chief
Rajasthan BJP president Satish Poonia accused the Congress of misleading farmers in the name of "Bharat Bandh" in protest against the Centre's farm laws.
Mr Poonia tweeted that the Congress is misleading farmers pointing out that the party will never succeed on this front.
According to Mr Poonia, the Centre has increased the minimum support price (MSP) by 1.5 times as compared to the UPA regime, whereas the Congress is spreading confusion about it.
Bharat Bandh updates: Scrutiny of farm bills by parliament panel would have prevented protest, says Ashok Gehlot
Had parliamentary proceedings been followed, the situation (ongoing farmers' protest at the Delhi-border) would have not arisen, said Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.
"Opposition's views were not considered and laws were made in haste without consulting stakeholders," he added. "If the Bill would have sent to select committee, even there the ruling party would have the majority, the committee members should have talked to farmers'' leaders. If they (Centre government) have enacted new laws in Parliament after the recommendations of the committee, it would have been different output," Chief Minister said.
Bharat Bandh Live: Meeting between Amit Shah and farmers begins
A day before the government's crucial sixth round of talks with representatives of protesting farmers, Home Minister Amit Shah met a select group of union leaders in a bid to break the deadlock.
A day before the government's crucial sixth round of talks with representatives of protesting farmers, Home Minister Amit Shah met a select group of union leaders in a bid to break the deadlock.
Some farmer leaders said they first expected the meeting to take place at Amit Shah's residence, but the venue was shifted to the Pusa area.
It's not house arrest but rest in house. We've video footage of last night in which he can be seen, we don't know what did he eat at some marriage function that he's at his house. Everyone knows he is excellent at drama, I doubt if his degree is of IIT or NSD: Meenakshi Lekhi,BJP https://t.co/Gonbztw9rQ pic.twitter.com/xHXr12kHfZ
- ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2020
Haryana Chief Minister meets Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar over farm laws
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said: "For our government, the interest of Haryana's Annadata (farmers) has always been important and will always be. Regarding farmers' issues today I met Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar. He has assured over Minimum Support Price and said 'no harm will come to MSP'."
"Discussed many topics related to agriculture with Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar at my residence," said Mr Tomar on Twitter.
Bharat Bandh Live: Opposition practising hypocrisy, says Prakash Javadekar
If Hypocrisy had a name...
- Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) December 8, 2020
Did you know that Left ruled Kerala does not even have APMCs?
But left parties are on the streets today, accusing @narendramodi government of weakening APMCs.
Bharat Bandh has underscored need for repeal of farm laws: Punjab Chief Minister
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said the unity showcased by the farmers through the "Bharat Bandh" has underscored the need for a repeal of the farm laws.
He reiterated that the farm legislations were "anti-farmer" and introduced without any discussion with the stakeholders.
Mr Singh asked why the Centre could not heed the demands of the farmers, agitating across the country, to scrap these laws and hold fresh talks with all stakeholders. "Had I been in their place I would not have taken a minute to accept my mistake and revoke the laws," he said in a statement.
Congress Leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda: Not Against Farm Sector Reforms, But New Laws Don't Reflect Those ChangesThe Congress Tuesday said it was not against farm sector reforms, but the ones brought in through the three recent laws did not reflect those changes, and demanded that these legislations be scrapped by convening a special session of Parliament.
Bharat Bandh Live: Farmers are sad today, says Congress leader Kamal Nath
Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders over their remarks targeting the party over farmers' protest and said the farmers are unhappy with the policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government.
"They (BJP) have nothing else today. Farmers are sad today. Lakh of farmers have gathered near Delhi. Have they (protesting farmers) come here on Congress' orders? Are the farmers stupid that they have gathered here in such numbers? Today the farmers are much better informed than they were 30 years ago," Kamal Nath said.
Bharat Bandh Live: Centre should listen to farmers' demands, says Arvind Kejriwal
Centre was very upset when we did not give them permission to turn the stadium into a jail, says Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
"There is a meeting in the evening and tomorrow... I request the centre to agree to the farmers' demands. If farmers are saying the laws are not in their favour, then the government should repeal it."
Glad Bharat Bandh was a success, says Arvind Kejriwal
"They didn't let me go, but I was praying for the (farmers') movement to be successful," says Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
He says the Aam Aadmi Party have given instructions to its workers that no one will wear the party's hat or will take the party's name during the protests. "Party workers will go there as citizens and listen to them and help them. This is the first time, we all have got the chance to serve the farmers -- they have been serving us for so long."
Punjabi singer Jass Bajwa joins farmers' protest against Centre's farm laws, at Ghazipur border (Delhi-UP border)
- ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2020
He says, "The Government should agree to the demands of the farmers." pic.twitter.com/LBQcANFWPr
Agriculture reforms should be discussed in Parliament: Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda
The Congress said it was not against farm sector reforms, but the ones brought in through the three recent laws did not reflect those changes, and demanded that these legislations be scrapped by convening a special session of Parliament.
Senior Congress leader and former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said agriculture reforms should be discussed afresh in Parliament and new laws enacted after consulting all stakeholders.
Mr Hooda also said the Minimum Support Price mechanism needs to be incorporated in the law because it is a must to protect the interest of farmers.
Bharat Bandh Live: Nationalist Congress Party supports agitating farmers, slams BJP
Leaders and workers of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Maharashtra, led by the party's state unit president, Jayant Patil, came out in support of farmers who observed a Bharat Bandh to demand scrapping of the Centre's new agricultural laws.
Mr Patil, Maharashtra's water resources minister, wore black ribbon to express solidarity with the agitating cultivators.
We do not want to cause any inconvenience to anyone from Delhi or Haryana, we should be allowed to hold protest at Ramlila Ground: RS Mansa, Punjab Kisan Union at Singhu (Haryana-Delhi border) pic.twitter.com/S0EpkjknBR
- ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2020
Bharat Bandh Updates: Opposition leaders consciously decided to stay away from protest sites, say Left leaders
Opposition party leaders have taken a conscious decision to stay away from protest sites, Left leaders said as they extended their support to farmer groups who have called a nationwide bandh against the farm laws.
"It is a conscious decision on our part to stay away from the protest sites. The farmer groups themselves also told us that they would want it this way. So, we have no party banners at the protest sites. However, our MPs are there, as parliamentarians, to show solidarity. We do not want to politicise the issue. It's not just the Left parties, but all opposition has taken this call that except MPs no leader will join the farmers," said CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury.
Bharat Bandh Live: Clashes outside BJP office in Jaipur
#WATCH Rajasthan: A clash erupted outside BJP office in Jaipur between BJP and Congress workers during a protest over #farmlaws pic.twitter.com/utzwhn4EKz
- ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2020
Joint delegation of Opposition to meet President Kovind tomorrow over farm laws, says Sitaram Yechury
A joint delegation of Opposition parties will meet President Ram Nath Kovind tomorrow at 5 pm, says CPI (Marxist) leader Sitaram Yechury. He says the delegation will include Rahul Gandhi, Sharad Pawar and others. Due to COVID-19 protocols, only five people have been allowed to meet the President.
A joint delegation of Opposition parties will meet President Ram Nath Kovind tomorrow at 5 pm, says CPI (Marxist) leader Sitaram Yechury. He says the delegation will include Rahul Gandhi, Sharad Pawar and others. Due to COVID-19 protocols, only five people have been allowed to meet the President.
Bharat Bandh Live: Manish Sisodia reaches outside Delhi Chief Minister's residence
CM denied permission to convert stadiums into temporary jails for protesting farmers. Now, public is not being allowed to meet him. Does this mean he is under house arrest? Why are all these security personnel posted here?: Delhi Dy CM Manish Sisodia outside Delhi CM's residence pic.twitter.com/Q7E2uneGEG
- ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2020
Bharat Bandh Live: All India Lawyers' Union protests at Tis Hazari District Court in Delhi
Delhi: All India Lawyers' Union protests at Tis Hazari District Court, in support of #BharatBandh
- ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2020
"Govt's response to protest is a matter of concern. Legal fraternity stands with farmers. These laws are neither in favour of farmers nor of lawyers," says Tiz Hazari Bar assn pres pic.twitter.com/REjFLNB66W
Bharat Bandh Live: Coalfield operations normal, inter-state traffic affected in Jharkhand
The nationwide shutdown over the Centre's new farm laws evoked a mixed response in Jharkhand on Tuesday with government offices functioning as usual, private institutions and shops closed in some areas, while local traffic was near normal but long-distance vehicles remained off the roads.
Protests and demonstrations were held in Ranchi, Dhanbad, Hazaribagh, Jamshedpur, Palamu, Dumka, Bokaro, Sahibganj and Pakur but no untoward incident was reported from anywhere, officials said.
Director-General of Police MV Rao said that the situation in all the districts was peaceful.
Bharat Bandh Live: Farmers block highways in Punjab, Haryana; shops, petrol pumps closed
Agitating farmers blocked several key roads, including Chandigarh-Delhi, Amritsar-Delhi, Hisar-Delhi and Bhiwani-Delhi national highways. They parked tractors, trucks and other vehicles in the middle of the carriageways.
Farmers blocked national highways and other key roads at many places in Punjab and Haryana on Tuesday as part of the their nationwide protest to press for repeal of the Centre's new farm laws.
Shops and commercial establishments remained closed at most places in Punjab and several places in Haryana as traders backed the agitating farmers.
Public and private transport services remained shut in Punjab. In neighbouring Haryana, inter-state and intra-state bus services were disrupted.
Petroleum dealers in the twin states kept filling stations closed to support the ''Bharat Bandh'' called by the farmer unions.
Farmers' Protest: Amit Shah Calls Protesting Farmers For Talks
Home Minister Amit Shah has called farmers for talks this evening, a day before the government's sixth round of negotiations to end massive protests against farm laws.
The Home Minister's invite emerged on a day a nationwide Bharat Bandh called by protesting farmers hit road and rail traffic in parts of the country, blocked highways and shut down markets, affecting supplies.
"I received a phone call. Amit Shah has called a meeting. We have been called at 7 pm," said farmer leader Rakesh Tikait.
Bharat Bandh Latest News: Opposition parties to meet president over farm bills, says Sharad Pawar
"Leaders from different political parties (those opposing the farm bills) will sit, discuss and take a collective stand on the contentious farm laws before meeting President Ram Nath Kovind," Mr Pawar told reporters.
NCP president Sharad Pawar on Tuesday said leaders from different political parties will discuss and take a collective stand on the contentious farm laws before meeting President Ram Nath Kovind.
Opposition parties are expected to meet Kovind on Wednesday evening to raise their concerns about the three farm laws.
Mr Pawar's NCP is among the parties that have backed Tuesday ''Bharat Bandh'' called by farmers' unions.
Bharat Bandh Live: More farmers arrive from Haryana, Punjab; bandh likely to hit supply of rations for protesters
But the numbers have started to swell as many more are coming in on bicycles and carts, he said.
More farmers from Punjab and Haryana trickled in at the Singhu border on tractor-trolleys and cars on Tuesday amid heavy security presence as a nationwide protest called their representatives against the Centre's farm laws was underway.
The ''Bharat Bandh'', however, hit the supply of essentials, including rice, wheat flour, lentils, oil, milk, soap and toothpaste, for the protesters camping at the border for the 13th day on the trot.
"Obviously, the rations supply will be hit. But we have enough stacked up for another 2-3 months. We have come prepared for a long haul," Gurjaint Singh from Panipat was quoted by news agency PTI.
Bharat Bandh Latest News: Bhim Army Chief, On His Way To Join Bharat Bandh Protest, Detained
Last week, Dalit leader Chandrashekhar Azad, also known as "Raavan", had joined the farmers protesting at Delhi's borders against the controversial farm laws. He slammed the government over the use of water cannons and tear gas when the protesters began their march to the national capital last month.
"The Centre tried to defame and stop the farmers' agitation...Our mothers, children, elderly were stopped (from marching to Delhi) with watercannons, barbed wires, tear gas...they (farmers) are not terrorists, they are the backbone of our country. We get food because of them...Such treatment (to farmers) shows how afraid the government is of the farmers' movement," he had said. "They are now witnessing democracy's biggest power: opposition," he further added.
Bhim Army Chief Chandrashekhar Azad was detained this afternoon at his home in Uttar Pradesh when he was on his way to join the protesting farmers who have called for a nationwide shutdown till 3 pm.
"The Centre tried to defame and stop the farmers' agitation...Our mothers, children, elderly were stopped (from marching to Delhi) with watercannons, barbed wires, tear gas...they (farmers) are not terrorists, they are the backbone of our country. We get food because of them...Such treatment (to farmers) shows how afraid the government is of the farmers' movement," he had said. "They are now witnessing democracy's biggest power: opposition," he further added.
Bharat Bandh Live Updates: Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee stages protest in Amritsar
The protesters raised slogans against the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government and demand withdrawal of farm laws.
"We have blocked NH1 and will keep it close till 3 pm. Until farm laws are not repealed, our protest will continue. We are getting full support. We have allowed medical services, marriage functions," a protester said.
Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee on Tuesday staged a protest against the Central government over new laws.
"We have blocked NH1 and will keep it close till 3 pm. Until farm laws are not repealed, our protest will continue. We are getting full support. We have allowed medical services, marriage functions," a protester said.
Bharat Bandh Live: Karnataka Congress leaders protest at Vidhana Soudha
Congress leaders protested in support of Bharat Bandh called by farmers' unions, raised slogans against the Central government and showed black flags, in front of Gandhi statue at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru on Tuesday.
Several Congress leaders including Leader of Opposition Siddaramaiah, BK Hariprasad, Ramalinga Reddy were present.
Meanwhile, in Kalaburagi, Left organisations raised slogans against the new farm laws.
Congress leaders protested in support of Bharat Bandh called by farmers' unions, raised slogans against the Central government and showed black flags, in front of Gandhi statue at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru on Tuesday.
Several Congress leaders including Leader of Opposition Siddaramaiah, BK Hariprasad, Ramalinga Reddy were present.
Meanwhile, in Kalaburagi, Left organisations raised slogans against the new farm laws.
Bharat Bandh Live Updates: Delhi Auto-Taxi Union stays away from Bharat bandh despite supporting farmers
Asserting that the autorickshaw and taxi drivers have already been suffering because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Delhi Auto-Taxi Union decided to stay away from the Bharat bandh call by farmers, agitating against the new agricultural laws, on Tuesday.
Delhi Auto-Taxi Union General Secretary Rajendra Soni said they support the demands of the farmers, but not the bandh. "Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the auto-taxi drivers have been suffering a lot. In such a situation it is not right to go on strike."
Asserting that the autorickshaw and taxi drivers have already been suffering because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Delhi Auto-Taxi Union decided to stay away from the Bharat bandh call by farmers, agitating against the new agricultural laws, on Tuesday.
Delhi Auto-Taxi Union General Secretary Rajendra Soni said they support the demands of the farmers, but not the bandh. "Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the auto-taxi drivers have been suffering a lot. In such a situation it is not right to go on strike."
Bharat Bandh latest news: Mixed response to Bharat Bandh in Assam
The nationwide shutdown, called by the farmers' unions, evoked a mixed response in Assam on Tuesday with shops pulling down their shutters, protesters blocking traffic, and Congress and Left supporters staging demonstrations, even as most of the offices were functioning.
Dozens of protesters were detained in various parts of the state, while the movement of fuel tankers was affected due to the support extended to the ''Bharat Bandh'' by their unions, officials said.
Altogether 14 opposition parties, including the Congress, AIUDF and Left, and many social organisations in Assam extended their support to the shutdown, called by farmers' unions, demanding the repeal of the three new farm laws.
Bharat Bandh Live: Normal life unaffected in Meghalaya
Normal life remained unaffected in Meghalaya on Tuesday amid the ''Bharat Bandh'' called by the farmers' unions against the Centre's farms laws. Shops and markets were open in the state and both private and public vehicles plied in the streets as usual.
Government offices, banks and post offices were open and attendance was normal, officials said.
The Meghalaya Joint Council Trade Union and Associations said the union is extending moral support to the bandh called by farmers union but has decided not to hold any demonstration in the city in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hills Farmers Union president Command Shangpliang said the union is extending moral support to the demonstration by farmers across the country and demanded that the government hold talks with them.
Bharat Bandh Live: Public transport almost unaffected in Maharashtra
Public transport services in Mumbai, including suburban trains and buses, and in other parts of Maharashtra largely remained unaffected on Tuesday morning despite various organisations supporting the Bharat Bandh for repeal of the Centre's agri laws, officials said.
Services of local trains as well as out-station trains remained unaffected until now, said Shivaji Sutar, chief public relations officer (CPRO), Central Railway.
Leaders of taxi and autorickshaw unions told PTI that their services in Mumbai remained normal.
A spokesperson of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST), which operates a fleet of buses in Mumbai and metropolitan region, said almost 85% of the scheduled buses plied on roads.
Kisan Bharat Bandh LIVE: We are supporting Bharat Bandh, will oppose farm laws strongly, says Bahujan Samaj Party
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) spokesperson Sudhindra Bhadoria on Tuesday said that his party is supporting the Bharat Bandh and will oppose the new farm laws by tooth and nail.
"The same BJP when it was in the opposition was opposing these changes because they were with the farmers. Since they are in power, they are now with the people who have the money bags, the rich and it is for this reason that this bill has been brought and which is against the farmers and therefore we oppose it and we will oppose it tooth and nail," Mr Bhadoria told ANI.
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) spokesperson Sudhindra Bhadoria on Tuesday said that his party is supporting the Bharat Bandh and will oppose the new farm laws by tooth and nail.
"The same BJP when it was in the opposition was opposing these changes because they were with the farmers. Since they are in power, they are now with the people who have the money bags, the rich and it is for this reason that this bill has been brought and which is against the farmers and therefore we oppose it and we will oppose it tooth and nail," Mr Bhadoria told ANI.
Bharat Bandh LIVE Updates: TRS, Opposition parties hold protests in Telangana
The ruling TRS, opposition parties including the Congress and various unions on Tuesday held protests across Telangana as part ofthe ''Bharat Bandh'' against the NDA government''s new agri laws.
Expressing support to the bandh, the TRS decided to actively participate in the protests in the state to ensure it was a success.
State Transport Minister Puvvada Ajay Kumar and TRS leader in Lok Sabha Nama Nageswara Rao attended a sit-in protest at Khammam.
State women and child welfare minister Satyavati Rathod and Endowments Minister A Indrakaran Reddy participated in protests at Mahabubabad and Nirmal towns respectively.
Kisan Bharat Bandh LIVE: Farmers’ associations demonstrate at Delhi-UP border
Farmers' associations demonstrate at Ghazipur-Ghaziabad (Delhi-UP) border as part of #BharatBandh call.
- ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2020
"If govt can make law they can repeal it as well. They must work with farmer associations and experts. We'll leave only after we get it in writing," says a farmer leader. pic.twitter.com/2XYp8RdgeO
Bharat Bandh Latest News: DMK-led Opposition hits the streets in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry
Opposition DMK and its allies including the Congress held protests across Tamil Nadu and
Opposition DMK and its allies including the Congress held protests across Tamil Nadu and
Puducherry on Tuesday as part of the farmers call for ''Bharat Bandh'', demanding the Centre to repeal the three farm laws.
In the union territory, ruled by the Congress, the bandh call evoked a near total response with buses, taxis and autos staying off the roads and traders, retail outlets and other commercial establishments downing shutters to support the shutdown while government offices saw thin attendance.
In Tamil Nadu, public and private transportation and normal life was largely unaffected barring traffic congestions in the vicinity of protest locations.
Bharat Bandh Live: Left parties protest with agitating farmers in Andhra
Left political parties protested in Parvathipuram of Vizianagaram district in support of the Bharat Bandh called by farmers unions against the Central government's farm laws.
The agitators held a rally from RTC Junction to the main road of the town in support of the Bharat Bandh. Trade unions also extended support to the bandh.
Left parties with SFI participated in the bandh in Visakhapatnam. The protesters raised slogans against the Central government. They started protests on the National Highway NH16, which connects Kolkata to Chennai. Women protesters of SFI and left parties played kabaddi at Maddilapalem junction on national highway 16 to support farmers.
Left political parties protested in Parvathipuram of Vizianagaram district in support of the Bharat Bandh called by farmers unions against the Central government's farm laws.
The agitators held a rally from RTC Junction to the main road of the town in support of the Bharat Bandh. Trade unions also extended support to the bandh.
Left parties with SFI participated in the bandh in Visakhapatnam. The protesters raised slogans against the Central government. They started protests on the National Highway NH16, which connects Kolkata to Chennai. Women protesters of SFI and left parties played kabaddi at Maddilapalem junction on national highway 16 to support farmers.
Bharat Bandh Live Updates: Normal life unaffected in Arunachal Pradesh
Normal life remained largely unaffected in Arunachal Pradesh on Tuesday amid the nationwide shutdown, called by the agitating farmers'' unions against the Centre's farm laws.
Private cars and public transport were seen on the roads as usual.
All the markets and business establishment remained open, while government and private offices, including banks functioned normally.
Bharat Bandh Live: Delhi traffic remains affected, security increased for Bharat bandh
With the ongoing farmers' agitation against the newly enacted farm laws entering the 13th day, along with a call for Bharat bandh on Tuesday, the traffic near the borders of the national capital region remained affected as multiple borders between Delhi and neighbouring states remained closed for commuters.
Meanwhile, a huge force of security personnel has been deployed at Singhu border between Haryana and Delhi in view of the nationwide bandh, called by the farmers today, as they were not satisfied with the amendments to the agricultural legislation being proposed by the central government.
With the ongoing farmers' agitation against the newly enacted farm laws entering the 13th day, along with a call for Bharat bandh on Tuesday, the traffic near the borders of the national capital region remained affected as multiple borders between Delhi and neighbouring states remained closed for commuters.
Meanwhile, a huge force of security personnel has been deployed at Singhu border between Haryana and Delhi in view of the nationwide bandh, called by the farmers today, as they were not satisfied with the amendments to the agricultural legislation being proposed by the central government.
Bharat Bandh today: Shops, commercial establishments closed in Punjab
Farmers started assembling on highways and other key roads in both states from the morning.
Farmer leaders have said they will block key roads and occupy toll plazas during their ''chakka jam'' protest from 11 am to 3 pm.
Shops and commercial establishments remained shut at many places in Punjab on Tuesday morning in view of a ''Bharat Bandh'' called by agitating farmer unions to protest the Centre's three agri laws.
Petroleum dealers in the state closed filling stations to back the call for the nationwide strike. There are over 3,400 fuel pumps in Punjab.
In neighbouring BJP-JJP ruled Haryana, opposition parties Congress and Indian National Lok Dal have extended their support to the ''Bharat Bandh''.
"We will hold a protest peacefully," a farmer said in Mohali. In Ludhiana, a group of protesters squatted on a road to express solidarity with the protesting farmers.
Bharat Bandh Live: Delhi-Meerut Highway Blocked Amid Farmers' Bharat Bandh Call
The Delhi-Meerut highway has been blocked amid "Bharat bandh" - a nationwide shutdown called for by farmers protesting the farm laws. Transport services, offices and shops - particularly those selling fruits and vegetables - in some states and cities are likely to be affected.
Police in Delhi and Haryana, where large numbers of farmers have set up camp amid police barricades, have issued advisories to re-route traffic where possible or warn commuters of delays.
Bharat Bandh today: Arvind Kejriwal "Under House Arrest" After Visiting Farmers, Alleges AAP
The Aam Admi Party (AAP) today alleged that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been placed under house arrest by Delhi Police since Monday, particularly in the wake of his visit to the Singhu border on Monday and the Bharat Bandh called today by farmers protesting against the new central agricultural laws.
The party said that under the Union home ministry's orders, the police have got the three mayors of Delhi's various municipalities to protest before the Chief Minister's residence, creating a pretext for his detainment. Mr Kejriwal's residence has, thus, been barricaded completely, with none allowed to enter or leave the premises.
All of his official meetings have been cancelled for the day given the circumstances, AAP officials said.
Mr Kejriwal had visited the Singhu border point between Delhi and Haryana on Monday to meet the protesting farmers and enquiring about their welfare. Thousands of farmers have been parked there, along with other border points with Delhi and other states, in protest against the central government's far ordinances passed in September.
All of his official meetings have been cancelled for the day given the circumstances, AAP officials said.
Mr Kejriwal had visited the Singhu border point between Delhi and Haryana on Monday to meet the protesting farmers and enquiring about their welfare. Thousands of farmers have been parked there, along with other border points with Delhi and other states, in protest against the central government's far ordinances passed in September.
Just In | Bharat Bandh: AAP Says Arvind Kejriwal Under House Arrest Since Singhu Visit
Bharat Bandh Live: Congress, Left supporters block roads, railway tracks across Bengal
Supporters of the Congress and Left parties on Tuesday blocked railway tracks at several places, and held sit-ins on roads to enforce the nationwide shutdown, which evoked a mixed response in West Bengal.
The ''Bharat Bandh'', called by agitating farmers' unions against the Centre's farm laws, partially affected the state with private vehicles remaining off the roads, while public transport, including buses and taxis, operating fewer than the usual.
In Kolkata, CPI(M) activists along with SFI and DYFI members blocked roads in Lake Town, College Street, Jadavpur and Shyambazar Five-Point Crossing.
Bharat Bandh LIVE Updates: In Goa, public transport normal; markets open
Markets remained open in BJP-ruled Goa on Tuesday morning while public transport was also normal even as various political parties have backed the Bharat Bandh call given by farmers against new agri laws of the Centre.
Educational institutes also functioned as per schedule.
Markets remained opened and public transport was also normal in the coastal state, which is witnessing rush of tourists.
Various political parties and unions of workers will hold a symbolic protest at Azad Maidan in Panaji later in the day, a leader said.
A senior police officer told PTI that all the police stations in the state are put on alert, but so far, no report of protests is received.
Bharat Bandh: Our duty to stand in unity with farmers and stay connected to their sentiments, says Sena's Sanjay Raut
"It's no political Bandh. It's our sentiment. Farmer organisations agitating in Delhi aren't carrying any political flag. It's our duty to stand in unity with farmers and stay connected to their sentiments. There is no politics here and there shouldn't be," said Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut.
"It's no political Bandh. It's our sentiment. Farmer organisations agitating in Delhi aren't carrying any political flag. It's our duty to stand in unity with farmers and stay connected to their sentiments. There is no politics here and there shouldn't be," said Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut.
Bharat Bandh: Agriculture Produce Markets remain shut in many parts of Maharashtra
Agriculture Produce Market Committees (APMCs) remained closed in many parts of Maharashtra on Tuesday in support of the Bharat Bandh called by agitating farmer unions to press for repeal of the Centre's agri laws.
Wholesale markets in major cities like Pune, Nashik, Nagpur and Aurangabad remained shut. Retail shops also downed shutters in many cities.
APMCs at Kalyan and Vashi in Navi Mumbai, which supplies bulk of vegetables and fruits to Mumbai, remained closed, with wholesalers and traders supporting the Bandh.
On a normal day, thousands of trucks transport vegetables, fruits, foodgrains and spices to APMCs every day across the state.
Bharat Bandh: Slogans against new farm laws raised by Left organisations in Karnataka's Kalaburag
Karnataka: Slogans against the new farm laws raised by Left organisations in Kalaburagi, on account of #BharatBandh
- ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2020
Visuals from the Kalaburagi Central Bus Station pic.twitter.com/44a86zisUf
Bharat Bandh: Activist Anna Hazare on fast to support farmers
Social activist Anna Hazare on Tuesday sat on a day-long hunger strike to support agitating farmers who have called Bharat Bandh demanding repeal of the Centre's agri laws.
Mr Hazare also said the agitation should spread across the country so that the government comes under pressure to act in the interests of cultivators.
In a recorded message, Mr Hazare appreciated farmers' protests at the borders of Delhi saying no violence has taken place in the last 10 days of the agitation.
"I appeal to the people of the country that the agitation which is going on in Delhi should spread across the country. The situation needs to created to create pressure on
the government, and to achieve this, farmers need to hit streets. But no one should resort to violence," said Mr Hazare who began his fast in Ralegan Siddhi village in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra.
Bharat Bandh: Delhi Police tightens security at border points, markets among other places
The Delhi Police on Tuesday tightened security at all border points and made arrangements to maintain law and order across the city, including market places, in view of the ''Bharat Bandh'' called by farmer unions against the Centre's new agri laws, officials said.
Farmer leaders have said emergency services will be exempted, and appealed to their affiliates to not force anyone to join the shutdown. Protesting farmers will block key roads and occupy toll plazas during their ''chakka jam'' protest from 11 am to 3 pm.
"The security across the national capital, especially on bordering areas, has been beefed up," a senior police officer said.
The Delhi Police on Tuesday tightened security at all border points and made arrangements to maintain law and order across the city, including market places, in view of the ''Bharat Bandh'' called by farmer unions against the Centre's new agri laws, officials said.
Farmer leaders have said emergency services will be exempted, and appealed to their affiliates to not force anyone to join the shutdown. Protesting farmers will block key roads and occupy toll plazas during their ''chakka jam'' protest from 11 am to 3 pm.
"The security across the national capital, especially on bordering areas, has been beefed up," a senior police officer said.
Bharat Bandh: Heavy deployment of security at Haryana-Delhi border
Heavy deployment of security at Singhu border (Haryana-Delhi border). The farmers' protest at the border entered 13th day today.
- ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2020
Farmer Unions have called #BharatBandh today, against the Central Government's #FarmLaws pic.twitter.com/8KA6gam3oJ
Bharat Bandh: Protesters block three highways in Gujarat
Protesters blocked three highways in rural Gujarat by placing burning tyres on roads on Tuesday morning as part of the Bharat Bandh called by agitating farmer unions to press for repeal of the Centre's agri laws, affecting vehicular traffic for some time.
A highway connecting Ahmedabad to Viramgam was blocked near Sanand by protesters from the Congress party who placed burning tyres on roads, causing a traffic jam.
Another group of protesters blocked a national highway in Vadodara.
In another incident, a highway connecting Bharuch and Dahej in Bharuch districtwas similarly blocked near Nandelav by protesters.
Bharat Bandh: Delhi's Azadpur Mandi Among Other Markets Closed In Support
Azadpur mandi, one of the largest wholesale markets for fruits and vegetables in the country, along with all others in the national capital will remain shut on Tuesday in support of the Bharat bandh, called by farmers, its chairman Adil Ahmed Khan said.
The Bharatiya Kisan Union on Monday said that the Bharat bandh is a "symbolic protest" to show opposition to Centre's policies.
"Our protest is peaceful and we'll continue that way. Bharat bandh is a symbolic protest to register our opposition. It is to show that we don't support some of the policies of the Government of India," Rakesh Tikait, spokesperson of the Bharatiya Kisan Union, said.
Azadpur mandi, one of the largest wholesale markets for fruits and vegetables in the country, along with all others in the national capital will remain shut on Tuesday in support of the Bharat bandh, called by farmers, its chairman Adil Ahmed Khan said.
The Bharatiya Kisan Union on Monday said that the Bharat bandh is a "symbolic protest" to show opposition to Centre's policies.
"Our protest is peaceful and we'll continue that way. Bharat bandh is a symbolic protest to register our opposition. It is to show that we don't support some of the policies of the Government of India," Rakesh Tikait, spokesperson of the Bharatiya Kisan Union, said.
Bharat Bandh: Farmers stop train in Maharashtra
Members of a farmers' organisation on Tuesday staged a ''rail roko'' in Maharashtra's Buldhana district as part of the Bharat Bandh called by agitating farmer unions to press for repeal of the Centre's agri laws.
Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatna members stopped the Chennai-Ahmedabad Navjeevan Express at Malkapur station in Buldhana district while protesting against the farm laws.
Police detained Sanghatana leader Ravikant Tupkar and his supporters over the incident, after removing them from the rail tracks, an official said.
Agriculture Produce Market Committees (APMCs) in Navi Mumbai, Nashik, Dhule, Pune and Solapur are closed during the bandh.
Farmers Protest Live - "Must Be Allowed To Protest": US Lawmakers Back Farmers
India has called the remarks by foreign leaders on protests by farmers as "ill-informed" and "unwarranted" as the matter pertained to the internal affairs of a democratic country.
"I stand in solidarity with the Punjabi farmers in India protesting for their livelihoods and protection from misguided, manipulative government regulations," Congressman Doug LaMalfa said on Monday.
Several US lawmakers have voiced their support for farmers agitating in India against the new farm laws and urged that they be allowed to protest peacefully.
"I stand in solidarity with the Punjabi farmers in India protesting for their livelihoods and protection from misguided, manipulative government regulations," Congressman Doug LaMalfa said on Monday.
Farmers Protest Live: Maharashtra government extends support for Bharat Bandh
The Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi government has extended the support for Bharat bandh. Various farmer outfits across the state will be protesting today.
However Mumbai , the financial capital, will mostly be functioning. But the biggest APMC market- Vashi APMC market will remain shut for the day.
The Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi government has extended the support for Bharat bandh. Various farmer outfits across the state will be protesting today.
However Mumbai , the financial capital, will mostly be functioning. But the biggest APMC market- Vashi APMC market will remain shut for the day.
Farmers Protest: "Kerala Government To Move Supreme Court Against Farm Laws," Says Minister
The Kerala government will not implement the contentious farm laws and will move the Supreme Court against them this week itself, Agriculture Minister VS Sunilkumar said in Thrissur on Monday.
"We will not implement the farm laws. The state government is ready to face any action to be taken by the central government. We will move the Supreme Court against these laws this week itself," he told reporters.
He said the Centre's move amounted to usurping the authority of state governments, which has been ensured by the Constitution.
The Kerala government will not implement the contentious farm laws and will move the Supreme Court against them this week itself, Agriculture Minister VS Sunilkumar said in Thrissur on Monday.
"We will not implement the farm laws. The state government is ready to face any action to be taken by the central government. We will move the Supreme Court against these laws this week itself," he told reporters.
He said the Centre's move amounted to usurping the authority of state governments, which has been ensured by the Constitution.
Farmers Protest: Haryana Farmers' Groups Say Okay With Amended Farm Laws
A letter signed by the three organisations read: "These bills should be continued as suggested by farmer organizations. We are in favour of MSP and mandi (specialised market) system as suggested by farmers' organizations. But we request you to continue these laws with suggested amendments."
A section of Haryana farmers have accepted in writing that they want the farm laws to stay, but with amendments. Representatives of three groups, which claimed to cumulatively represent 1,20,000 farmers from the state, met agriculture minister Narendra Tomar this evening, ahead of tomorrow's all-India strike by farmers and the sixth meeting between the farmers and the Centre on Wednesday.
Bharat Bandh: Roads To Avoid In Haryana And Delhi
Haryana Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Navdeep Singh Virk said that elaborate arrangements have been made by the civil and police administration, as per directions of the state government.
The Delhi Police said adequate arrangements have been made to ensure normal movement of people on roads during the "Bharat Bandh" on Tuesday. "Delhi Police has also issued a traffic advisory for smooth movement of vehicles and commuters. Anybody who tries to disrupt normal movement, life or forcefully closes shops will be strongly dealt with, as per the law," Delhi Police (PRO) Eish Singhal said.
The Haryana and Delhi Police have issued separate advisories on the traffic situation in view of the nation-wide "Bharat Bandh" called on Tuesday by farmers protesting against the Centre's new farm laws.
The Delhi Police said adequate arrangements have been made to ensure normal movement of people on roads during the "Bharat Bandh" on Tuesday. "Delhi Police has also issued a traffic advisory for smooth movement of vehicles and commuters. Anybody who tries to disrupt normal movement, life or forcefully closes shops will be strongly dealt with, as per the law," Delhi Police (PRO) Eish Singhal said.
Farmers Protest Latest news: Bharat Bandh Amid Farmer Protests, Cops Issue Travel Advisory
The "Bharat bandh" - a nationwide shutdown called for by farmers protesting the farm laws - will run from 11 AM to 3 PM, with transport services, offices and shops - particularly those selling fruits and vegetables - in some states and cities likely to be affected. Police in Delhi and Haryana, where large numbers of farmers have set up camp amid police barricades, have issued advisories to re-route traffic where possible or warn commuters of delays.
Farmer groups are also expected to block highways and occupy toll plazas, but they have emphasised this will be a "peaceful protest" and emergency services - like ambulances - will not be stopped or delayed.
