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.