Farmers' protest: On Dec 27, during PM Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat', we would appeal to everyone to beat 'thali' at their homes, says Bharatiya Kisan Union

The agitation enters the 25th day and the stalemate between farmers and Centre continues. Farmers have decided to observe a day-long relay hunger strike on Monday at all sites of protest against the farm laws and halt toll collection on highways in Haryana from December 25 to 27. Farmers' leader Rakesh Tikait said that protesting farmers will celebrate Kisan Diwas on December 23. Meanwhile, Bhartiya Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan), one of Punjab’s largest farmer organisations protesting against farm laws, said that it has been asked by a central agency to submit its registration details which allow it to receive foreign funds. Stay tuned for more updates.

Congress questions 'silence' of PM Modi on ongoing farmers' protests

The Congress on Sunday questioned the "silence" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the ongoing farmers' protests against the Centre's new farm laws and asked why he had not yet condoled the demise of 33 protesters.

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Only few people opposing farm laws due to political reasons: Khattar

Addressing a “Jal Adhikar Rally” in south Haryana's Narnaul, where a galaxy of senior BJP leaders from the state wasin attendance, Khattar said the Centre is committed to doubling the farmers' income by 2022.

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Kerala Assembly's special session likely for resolution against farm laws

The move comes close on the heels of Kerala government deciding to move the Supreme Court against the new farm laws. The state government has also got a legal opinion that certain portions of the law amounted to infringement into the state's powers and hence there is a scope for filing an appeal.

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Bhartiya Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan), one of Punjab’s largest farmer organisations protesting against farm laws, says it has been asked by a central agency to submit its registration details which allow it to receive foreign funds.

Centre asking questions over foreign donations: Farmer union

Bhartiya Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan), one of Punjab’s largest farmer organisations protesting against the recent farm laws, on Sunday said it has been asked by a central agency to submit its registration details which allow it to receive foreign funds.

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Farmers to observe day-long relay hunger strike on Monday: Yogendra Yadav

Thousands of farmers, mainly from Punjab and Haryana, are protesting against the laws for the last over four weeks at various border points of Delhi and demanding that the legislations be repealed.

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On December 27, during Prime Minister Modi's Mann Ki Baat, we would appeal to everyone to beat 'thali' at their homes till the time he speaks during the program: Jagjit Singh Dalewala, Bharatiya Kisan Union.

Kisan Diwas is celebrated on December 23, I would urge people to skip a meal on that day: Rakesh Tikait, Bharatiya Kisan Union.

Farmers at Ghazipur border set up 'Neki ki divar' for protesters

"We have set up a 'neki ki divar' today. The idea is to ensure all our farmer brothers and sisters are well equipped to be a part of the protest and keep themselves warm in Delhi's harsh weather," Survinder Kisan, one of the protesters at Ghazipur border, said.

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AIKS Maharashtra Vehicle Jatha to Delhi to begin tomorrow from Nashik

The Jatha to Delhi will be led by AIKS leaders Dr Ashok Dhawale, J P Gavit, Kisan Gujar, Dr Ajit Nawale, Sunil Malusare and others. The public meeting beginning the Jatha will be greeted by Kerala Rajya Sabha MP and AIKS Joint Secretary K K Ragesh.

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Punjab farmer, 22, commits suicide

A 22-year-old Punjab farmer, who returned from a protest site near the Delhi border, has allegedly committed suicide after consuming some poisonous substance, the police said on Sunday.

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Farmers to begin day-long relay hunger strike on Monday at all protest sites against new agri laws: Swaraj India chief Yogendra Yadav.

Farmers gather at Singhu border during their sit-in protest against the Centre's farm reform laws, in New Delhi. Credit: PTI

Farmers' protests more political in nature: V K Singh

Union Minister V K Singh on Sunday said the on going protests by farmers against the three Central farm laws was "more political" in nature and underlined the NDA government's intent to ensure the welfare of the ryots.

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Farmers' protest: Who’s feeding protesters at borders?

The ongoing farmers' protests at various borders outside New Delhi has entered its 25th day and has shown no signs of stopping. Whether you have been to the venue or have seen visuals from the border, the sight of tractors, tents, tarpaulins, and turban-clad Sikhs preparing and serving up langar to those present is a familiar one.

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Parliament session cancelled to avoid debate on farmers' stir: Raut

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut on Sunday claimed the winter session of Parliament was cancelled to avoid a debate on the ongoingfarmers' protest against the Centre's new farm laws.

In his weekly column 'Rokhthok' in the Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana', Raut also questioned the need for spending "Rs 1,000 crore" on the Central Vista project when the Narendra Modi government was not interested in holding debates and Parliament session.

Watch | Farmers & members of Hind Mazdoor Kisan Samiti begin their tractor march

2 US-based Sikh NGOs donate toilets, geysers & tents to farmers at Tikri border. "Due to lack of basic facilities at protest sites, we've decided to donate 200 portable toilets & geysers," says S P Singh Khalsa, Hoshiarpur Coordinator, Sikh Panchayat Fremont California

Volunteers serve tea & breakfast to protesting farmers

PM Narendra Modi visited Gurudwara Rakab Ganj Sahib in Delhi and paid tributes to Guru Teg Bahadur for his supreme sacrifice

Farmers to pay tribute to those who lost their lives during this movement

Farmers continue to camp at Ghazipur (Delhi-UP border) as their protest against the farm laws enters Day 25. "We'll observe Shahidi Divas today & pay tribute to those who lost their lives during this movement," says Mange Ram Tyagi, Chief Secy, NCR, Bhartiya Kisan Union

Medical staff of different hospitals in Punjab reach Singhu border

PM Modi, Amit Shah reach out to farmers as protests enter 24th day

Speaking during his keynote address at ASSOCHAM, Modi asserted that farmers have now got the benefits of farm reforms that were introduced by the government six months ago. Separately in a tweet, Modi urged people to read and share widely an e-booklet issued by the government highlighting how the recent agro-reforms help farmers.

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DH Toon | 'Ready to listen to farmers,' says PM Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday asserted that the farm laws were not brought overnight and even opposition parties advocated such laws but are criticising these reforms now as they are upset because Modi has done it, and said the government was ready "with our heads bowed, our hands folded, with humility" to allay any concerns over the issue.

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There can be a way out for talks in a day or two: Haryana CM on farmers' stir

There can be a way out for the next round of talks between the government andfarmerunions protesting against the Centre's new farm laws in a day or two, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said after meeting Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar.

Farmers burn copies of Narendra Singh Tomar's letter

Farmers camping at Delhi-Noida border in protests against the three recent farm laws of the Centre on Saturday burnt copies of an open letter of Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar's written to them in a bid to pacify them.

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I believe that the talk could be held in the next 2-3 days. A solution to this issue (farmers' protest) should be found through discussion. I have said that this issue should be resolved soon: Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar after meeting Union Agriculture Minister NS Tomar. -ANI

It seems the Central govt is in the mood to quell the farmers' protest. Hence, our party has decided to lead a march of 2 lakh farmers and youths towards Delhi from Rajasthan on December 26: Rashtriya Loktantrik Party chief Hanuman Beniwal. -ANI

Hanuman Beniwal resigns from 3 parliamentary panels in support of farmers' stir

Rajasthan's Nagaur MP Hanuman Beniwal on Saturday resigned from three parliamentary committees in support of farmers’ agitation against the Centre’s agriculture-related laws.

Beniwal, a convener of the Rashtriya Loktantrik Party and the BJP's ally at the Centre, submitted his resignation to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. -PTI

Tomorrow at 11 am there'll be a meeting with administration here over stopping the movement of tractors. If our demands are not fulfilled then both side of road will be blocked: Sardar VM Singh, All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee at Ghazipur border (Delhi-UP border). -ANI

Why Congress allowed contract farming in Punjab, Rupani asks

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Saturday alleged that corporates are allowed to enter into contract farming in the Congress-ruled Punjab while the party is opposing the new farm laws.

Among other things, the new laws enacted by the Union government provide a framework for contracts between private entities and farmers.

Addressing a gathering at Karamsad in Anand district as part of the BJP's campaign to create awareness about the contentious farm sector reforms, Rupani also claimed that the Congress manifesto spoke about allowing the sale of produce outside Agriculture Produce Market Committees (APMCs). -PTI

Jan Adhikar Party President Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav performs 'hawan' in support of farmers protesting against the new farm laws, in Patna. Credit: PTI.

'Why India' to 'Why Not India': PM Narendra Modi on change his reforms have brought

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hard sold his government's reforms spanning from manufacturing to taxation to labour, saying they have changed the world perception about the country from 'why India' to 'why not India' and went on to quote record foreign investment during the pandemic as a testimony to that.

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SP, BSP hit out at BJP over farm laws

The Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party hit out at the BJP on Saturday over the farmers' protest against the agri-marketing laws.

SP president Akhilesh Yadav called the contentious laws a clamp for the farmers.

"The BJP didn't allow the farmers to have the slightest idea of the farm laws before making them. Now, they are pretending to make them understand the benefits of the legislations by holding farmers convention," Yadav said.

"The truth is the farmers will really benefit only after the implementation of the Swaminathan report," Yadav said. "Only then, the farmers' income will double."

BJP leader and ex-Union minister Birender Singh extends support to farmers' agitation

Former Union minister and senior BJP leader Birender Singh has extended his support to the ongoing farmers' agitation against the three agriculture-marketing laws passed by the Centre.

Singh is grandson of Sir Chhotu Ram, a prominent politician during the pre-independence era who championed the interest of farmers.

Singh, whose son Brijendra is a sitting BJP MP, said it was his moral responsibility to stand with the farmers who he said are "worried" as they fear the new legislations will have an "impact" on their economic condition.

Protesting farmers' steadfast in their demands as Delhi temperature plummets to season's lowest yet

Braving the harsh cold of Delhi, thousands of farmers protesting against the three recent agri laws remained steadfast in their demands of repealing the legislations as their agitation entered its fourth week.

According to the India Meteorological Department, the national capital recorded its coldest day on Saturday with the minimum temperature dropping to 3.9 degrees Celsius at the Safdarjung Observatory, which provides the representative data for the city.

Will never be able to forget visuals of farmers protest, says Sonu Sood

Actor Sonu Sood on Friday said he is deeply saddened to see the plight of farmers protesting against the three new agri laws and hoped for a resolution to their issues.

Thousands of farmers from Haryana, Punjab, and other states have been holding demonstrations at Delhi's border points, protesting against the new farm laws, which they fear will dismantle the minimum support price system, leaving them at the mercy of big corporates.

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PM Modi urges people to read e-booklet by govt to understand the benifits of the farm laws

PM Narendra Modi today urged people to read and share widely an e-booklet issued by the government highlighting how the recent agro-reforms help farmers.

The booklet, released in Hindi and English, highlights the success stories of farmers who benifited from the farm laws introduced in Septemeber.

Farmers have started getting the benefit of agriculture reforms brought six months back, says Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Morning readers and welcome to our live coverage of farmers' protest. Today, the agitation enters the 24th day and the stalematebetween farmers and Centre continues. Yesterday, PM Modi launched a scathing attack on the Opposition for doing politics over farm laws.The Opposition later hit back at the prime minister saying that the government should stop "deceiving and betraying". Stay tuned for live updates.

Govt should stop deceiving and betraying farmers: Congress

The Congress on Friday said the government should stop "deceiving and betraying" farmers and asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to apologise to them for insulting those protesting against the recent farm laws by dubbing them as "anti-nationals".

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Farmers' agitation: BKU leader Tikait junks PM Modi's claim on MSP

BKU leader Rakesh Tikait on Friday junked Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s claim of implementing recommendations of the Swaminathan commission on the MSP for crops, saying farmers are committing suicide as they are not getting the remunerative price of their produce.

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Farmers sit near a bonfire to warm themselves along the blocked highway during a demonstration against the central government’s recent agricultural reforms at the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh state border in Ghazipur. Credit: AFP

Farmers prepare 'Langar' for their fellow farmers during their protest against new farm laws, a Kundli border in Sonepat. Credit: PTI

Farmers protest against the new farm laws, at Kundli border in Sonipat. Credit: PTI

Sikh preacher who died by suicide in Delhi cremated

The mortal remains of Sikh preacher Sant Ram Singh, who was supporting the protest against the farm laws and allegedly committed suicide near the Singhu border unable to bear the "pain of farmers", were consigned to flames here on Friday.

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PM Narendra Modi himself had declared that a law on the MSP needs to be implemented. Then why doesn't Modiji listen to Modiji: Randeep Surjewala, Congress.

Focus only on resolving standoff with farmers: Gehlot to Centre

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday asked the central government to focus on resolving its standoff with farmers over three farm laws and keep other issues on hold.

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'Failed political players' acting under 'depression of defeat', misleading farmers: Naqvi

The Minority Affairs Minister also lashed out at Opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal, alleging that the Congress leader was "posing" as a farmers' leader despite knowing little about farming, while the Delhi chief minister was "karne mein zero, dharne mein hero (zero in work, but hero in sit-ins)".

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Maharashtra farmers to go on vehicle march to Delhi from Nashik on Dec 21

Thousands of farmers from over 20 districts of Maharashtra to gather at Nashik on December 21 to set on a vehicle march to Delhi,for strengthening the historic struggle of lakhs of kisans camping around Delhi for the past three weeks.

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New farm laws have not come overnight, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the new agricultural laws brought by his government have not come overnight, but were long overdue and insisted that the existing regime of support price for farm produce will continue.

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PM Narendra Modi provided Rs 8 lakh crores in MSP to farmers during his tenure compared to Rs 3.5 lakh crores which UPA provided in 10 yrs of their tenure. What did they do when they were the ruling party?: Smriti Irani,

The Opposition says that the one who made the bills isn't a farmer. The one who talks of producing 40-inch potato is he a farmer? Is Sonia Gandhi a farmer? The one who actually did something for farmers is PM Narendra Modi: Smriti Irani, Union Minister of Textiles in Meerut.

Protest not for farmers, it's meant to oppose Centre: Rupala

Union minister Parshottam Rupala on Friday alleged that the only purpose of the protest going on at Delhi borders against three farm laws is to oppose the central government and it is not meant for the welfare of farmers.

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'Don't want credit': PM Modi slams Opposition over politics on farm laws

Sharply criticising the Opposition for trying to sway 'innocent farmers' and using the issue for political gains, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the farm laws were always part of opposition parties' manifesto and the government merely turned those promises into a reality.

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Farmers' protest: Narendra Singh Tomar 'hopeful' to reach solution before year-end

As formal talks to end farmers' agitation against three farm laws remain deadlocked, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar has said the government is continuing informal discussions with various groups to end the stalemate but there was no point talking to those "shooting from peasants' shoulders".

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I request all political parties with folded hands, please keep all the credit. I'm giving credit to all your old election manifestos. I just want ease in the life of farmers, I want their progress and want modernity in agriculture: PM Modi.

If we'd to remove MSP, why would we implement Swaminathan Commission report? Our govt is serious about the MSP, that's why we declare it before sowing season every year. This makes it easy for farmers to make calculations: PM Modi.

Political parties should stop misguiding farmers. It's been 6-7 months since Farm laws were implemented. But now suddenly, games are being played to plough one's own political land through a web of lies: PM Modi

Those who've started this movement in the name of farmers, when they had a chance to run the govt or become part of govt, what they did back then, the country needs to remember. Today, I want to bring their deeds in front of countrymen and farmers: PM Modi.

Swaminathan Commission report is biggest proof of how ruthless these people can be. These people sat on Swaminathan Commission report recommendations for 8 long years...They ensured that their govt doesn't have to spend much on farmers, so they kept report under wraps: PM Modi.

The numbers I will provide you with, will clear everything up regarding the MSP: PM Modi at the Kisan Kalyan event

Even after these efforts of the Government, even after these efforts of the Government, if anyone has any apprehension, we are ready to talk about every issue by bowing our heads, adding hands, with great humility, in the interest of the farmer of the country, to address their concern: PM

Now, on 25th December, on the birth anniversary of revered Atal Ji, I will once again go to this subject in more detail. On that day, another instalment of PM Kisan Samman Fund will be transferred to bank accounts of crores of farmers simultaneously: PM

The farming agreement only compromises crops or produce. Land remains with the farmer, the agreement and the land has nothing to do with it: PM

Not a single mandi has been closed after the new law. Why, then, are these lies being spread? The fact is that our government is spending more than Rs. 500 crores on modernizing the APMC, on their computerization. Then, where did these APMC stop come from: PM

The third big lie about the new agricultural reforms is going on with the farming agreement. Is there any new thing in the farming agreement in the country? No Our country has been in the process of farming agreement for years: PM

In the new law, we have only said that whether the farmer is sold in the Mandi or outside, it will be his choice. Now, where the farmer will benefit, he will sell his produce: PM

Remember the time of 2014, how there was a crisis of pulses in the country. In the country, dal was sourced from abroad amidst Mache Hahkar: PM

It has been more than six months when these laws were enacted. Even after the enactment of the law, the MSP was announced as it was done earlier. Even during the battle with the Corona epidemic, the work was done as before. Msp purchases were also made in the same mandis as it was earlier: PM

Our government is running a blue revolution scheme to promote fisheries. Some time back, the Pradhan Mantri Fish Estates Scheme of Rs. 20, 000 crore has also been launched. As a result of these efforts, all previous records of fish production in the country have been shattered: PM

Remember, what was the situation of urea 7-8 years ago? Overnight, whether the farmers had to stand in queues for urea or not? At many places, there were reports of lathicharge on farmers for urea or not? Whether urea was black-marketed or not: PM

Today, there are no reports of shortage of urea, farmers do not have to eat sticks for urea. We worked honestly to alleviate the sufferings of the farmers. We stopped black marketing, took stringent steps, a nail on corruption. We ensured that urea would go to the farmer's field: PM

The amount of money they have been talking about sending is never reaching the farmers. The farmer thought that the entire loan would be waived now. And in return, he received the bank's notice and the warrant of arrest. Who received the biggest benefit of the loan waiver? To the workers of these people: PM

The PM-Kisan scheme, which our government has launched, will give about Rs. 75 thousand crores to the farmers every year. That means about Rs. 7 lakh crores in 10 years. Transfer directly to farmers' bank accounts. No leakages, no commissions: PM

Opposition parties are creating fear among farmers that they will lose land but instead, the politicians are making political land for themselves. Those shedding 'crocodile tears' are heartless over farmerissues: PM

Two years ago, during election in MP, a loan waiver was promised but those were not kept.

Swaminathan report's findings were shut down for 8 long years: PM Modi

Today, several farmers have been given Kisan Credit Card. Earlier, they were not available to all farmers. But we changed rules to make Kisan Credit Card available to all farmers across the country: PM Modi addressing MP farmers through video conferencing.

(ANI)

Indian farmers should get access to all latest technologies: PM Modi

Congress never fulfilled its promise on farm loan waiver, says Chouhan

BJP leaders organise 'farmers meet' in Uttar Pradesh

Senior BJP leaders organise 'farmers meet' ahead of intensified protests with farmers saying that they are preparing for a "long haul."

BJP leaders Smriti Irani and Sanjeev Baliyaan will address in Meerut, while Krishan Pal will address in Agra, Indiatoday reports.

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) President MK Stalin during a day-long hunger strike in support of farmers protesting against the three farm laws, in Chennai

PTI Photo

DMK stage hunger strike in solidarity with protesting farmers

DMK and its allies stage a day-long hunger strike protest in solidarity with the farmers protesting the Centre's agricultural laws.

DMK and its leader M K Stalin have been vocal about their opposition to the farm laws, backing ther farmers' agitation, which enters 23rd day.

Leader of Opposition Stalin, party MP Kanimozhi and leaders of alliance parties participated in the protest.

Another farmer group extends support for Centre's farm laws

Federation of Indian FPOs and Aggregators (FIFA) has extended their support to the BJP-led govt's farm laws after meeting Agricultural Minister Narendra Singh Tomar making it the sixth such group who are pro-Centre on the agricultural reforms row.

The other groups are from Haryana, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, Moneycontrol reported.

Carriageway from Noida to Delhi will remain shut amid farmers' protest: Delhi Police

Jhatikara border is open only for two-wheelers and pedestrian movement. Chilla Border one carriageway from Delhi to Noida is open for traffic however the other carriageway from Noida to Delhi is closed: Delhi Traffic Police

Don't fall prey to 'lies' of Opposition on new farm laws: Agri Min Tomar in open letter to farmers

Accusing the Congress and other opposition parties of spreading falsehood about the new farm laws, union agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Thursday appealed to the agitating farmers not to fall prey to these "white lies" and said the Centre was ready to address all their concerns.

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PM Modi to speak on farm laws' 'benefits' in address to Madhya Pradesh farmers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will will speak about the "beneficial provisions" of the new farm laws during his virtual address to the farmers of Madhya Pradesh on Friday as part of a state-level programme, a senior official said.

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Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar has expressed his feelings by writing a letter to the farmer brothers and sisters, trying to have a polite dialogue. I request all Annadatas to read it. I also urge countrymen to make it reach to as many people as possible: PM Narendra Modi.

Kejriwal indulged in cheap theatrics by tearing copies of farm laws: Harsimrat Kaur Badal

The Delhi Assembly on Thursday passed a resolution against the Centre's three new agriculture laws with Kejriwal tearing their copies, saying he cannot betray farmers of the country.

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Right to protest is part of fundamental right: SC declines to intervene into farmers protest

The Supreme Court on Thursday declined to intervene into the farmers protest here against the three recently passed agricultural laws but emphasised that they must hold talks to resolve the issues, arising out blockade of Delhi roads, and to serve their purpose.

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Farm laws: SC says it will not interfere with the farmers protest against the laws.

"We're of the view at this stage that the farmers’ protest should be allowed to continue without impediment & without any breach of peace either by the protesters or police," its says.

Centre's three farm laws were notified in Delhi Gazette on 23rd Nov. Now, they're tearing copies of same act in Delhi Assembly after notifying. This is opportunistic politics. Delhi CM is the new chameleon, he can just change colours without qualms: BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi on Delhi CM.

From the Newsroom: SC acknowledges farmers' right to protest against farm laws

Gazipur border (Delhi-UP border) is closed for traffic coming from Ghaziabad to Delhi due to farmers protests. People are advised to take an alternate route for coming to Delhi: Traffic Police. (ANI)

In our committee today, we took a decision about the case in the Supreme Court. We'll consult with four senior SC lawyers - Prashant Bhushan, Dushyant Dave, HS Phoolka and Colin Gonsalves: National Coordinator of Rashtriya Kisan Mahasangh KV Biju. (ANI)

Arvind Kejriwal goes the Rahul Gandhi way; tears copy of farm laws in Delhi Assembly

In 2013, in an embarrassment to his own government's Rahul Gandhi displeased with a controversial ordinance brought forward by the UPA government to negate a Supreme Court verdict on convicted lawmakers termed it as "complete nonsense" and that it should be torn up and thrown away. He had torn a copy of the ordinance back then.

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Supreme Court must direct the govt to put these three laws on hold and to immediately call parliament session to repeal these laws. After that, a committee can be formed for other things like MSP: Ashok Dhawale, All India Kisan Sabha. (ANI)

Delhi Assembly today rejected all three farm laws and have appealed Central govt that it should take back these black laws. More than 20 farmers have died during 20 days of protest. On average, one farmer is getting martyred daily in this movement: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal addresses a special session of Delhi Assembly called to discuss farmers' agitation. "I want to ask Centre how many sacrifices farmers will have to make, to get their voices heard," he said.

Supreme Court 'sympathetic' to cause but wants farmers to hold talks

The Supreme Court on Thursday acknowledged the farmers right to protest against the three recently passed agricultural laws but emphasised that they must hold talks to resolve the issues, arising out of blockade of Delhi roads, and to serve their purpose.

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We'll discuss future course of action in our Panchayat. We've not blocked roads, barricades have been put up by police. SC is right that issue should be resolved soon. We'll go if we're called. Government wants amendments while we want them to take back farm laws: Rakesh Tikait, BKU.

DMK leader T R Baalu slams Centre over decision to cancel Parliament Winter Session

The DMK on Thursday slammed the Centre for its decision to not to hold the Winter Session of Parliament in view of the Covid-19 pandemic and charged it with having a "big brother" attitude by "ignoring" opposition parties on such matters.

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Modi govt willing to sit with farmers to sort out issues: Hardeep Singh Puri

"It pains me that many people who are sitting in protest probably are not aware of what they are protesting against... Government is still sending a message to all the farmers that please come and talk," Puri said at an online function of industry chamber HDCCI.

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AAP MLA Mahendra Goyal tears copy of Centre's farm laws during a special Delhi Assembly session

Modi govt willing to sit with farmers to sort out issues: Hardeep Singh Puri

The government is willing to sit with the farmers protesting against the Centre's new farm laws and sort out the issues, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Thursday.

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Communist Party of India (Marxist) activists stage a protest in support of farmers' agitation over Centre's farm reform laws, in Howrah district on December 16. Credit: PTI Photo

We are worried over plight of farmers and the way things are going. They are not a mob: SC

Attorney General asks, what kind of executive action? Farmers will not come for discussion if this happens, adds A-G.

CJI says it's to enable discussions.

(ANI)

SC asks A-G if govt can assure no executive action will be taken on farm laws

Supreme Court asks Centre to explore the possibility of putting legislationon hold.

Supreme Court asks the Attorney General if the government can assure the Court that it will not take any executive action on implementation of the law till the court hears the matter

(ANI)

CJI says notice has to go all protesting farmers' bodies & suggests that case to be placed before a vacation bench of the court during winter break.

AG says notice has to be served to all the farmers' representatives who have been part of the government talks so far

(ANI)

"We are also Indian, we're familiar with the plight of farmers and are sympathetic to their cause. You (farmers) have to only alter the way the protest is going. We will ensure you can plead your case & thus we are thinking of forming a committee," says CJI on farm laws matter

(ANI)

Blocking Delhi may lead to people in the city going hungry: CJI

Your (farmers) purpose can be fulfilled by talking. Just sitting in protest won't help, says Chief Justice of India during a hearing on farm laws

It is for farmers & Centre to decide who'll be on the committee, says Sr advocate P Chidambaram representing Punjab government

Many farmers are from Punjab. The State has no objection to Court's suggestion that a group of people can facilitate dialogue between farmers & Centre. It is for farmers & Centre to decide who'll be on the committee, says Sr advocate P Chidambaram representing Punjab government

None of them wears a face mask, they sit together in large numbers. COVID-19 is a concern, they will visit villages and spread it there. Farmers cannot violate the fundamental rights of others, says Attorney General KK Venugopal.

CJI announces independent committee to resolve farm laws stir

The independent committee can have P Sainath, Bhartiya Kisan Union and others as members, suggests CJI. You (farmers) cannot instigate violence and cannot block a city like this, adds CJI

A protest is constitutional till it does not destroy property or endanger life. Centre and farmers have to talk; We are thinking of an impartial and independent committee before whom both parties can give its side of story, says CJI.

The committee will give a finding which should be followed. The protest can go on in the meanwhile, says CJI.

(ANI)

Supreme Court recognises the fundamental right to protest against the farm laws

Farm laws matter in Supreme Court: CJI says, we recognise the fundamental right to protest against the laws and no question to curtail it. The only thing we can look into is that it should not cause damage to someone's life.

We won't interfere with it but the manner of protest is something we will look into. We will ask Centre what is the manner of protest going on, to slightly alter it so that it doesn't affect the citizens' right of movement.

(ANI)

The question of the validity of laws can wait, says Supreme Court

We've only heard it through the media of being made a part to the farmers' representation which has been called to the Supreme Court. We don't have any written notice: Satnam Singh, Pradhan, Jamhuri Kisan Sabha

(ANI)

In the wake of the directions given by SC yesterday regarding formation of a committee to resolve farmers' bill impasse, we have written to Union Ministers Narendra Singh Tomar & Piyush Goyal for giving due representation in the proposed panel: CAIT

Sant ji's sacrifice won't be allowed to go in vain: Sukhbir Singh Badal

Farmers' protest: Traffic disrupted on Delhi's key routes; thousands stay put at border points

The agitation against the Centre's new farm laws entered week four with thousands of farmers camping at border points of Delhi adamant on their demands, and the Supreme Court saying it will form a committee to resolve the deadlock.

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Sukhbir Singh Badal 'prays' for the victory of farmers

Delhi High Court refuses to entertain a PIL related to farmers' protests going on at various borders of Delhi. The Court noted that the Supreme Court is already hearing a similar matter.

Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar pays tribute to Sikh cleric who allegedly shot himself over farmers' protest

Punjab farmer protesting near Delhi-Haryana border allegedly dies because of cold, reports NDTV.

We've not received any notice from SC. When we get a notice, all farmers' unions will hold a discussion and take a decision: MS Rai, Bhartiya Kisan Union, Doaba

SC has allowed impleadment of 8 farmer unions as respondents in petitions seeking removal of protestors from Delhi borders.

(ANI)

Modi govt continuously working for farmers' benefits: Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said the Narendra Modi government is continuously working for the interests of the country's farmers.

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Farmers prepare 'langar' for fellow farmers during their protest against the new farm laws, at Singhu Border in New Delhi. Credit: PTI Photo

Activist P V Rajagopal offers to mediate between protesting farmers, Centre

Noted social activist P V Rajagopal on Wednesday offered to mediate between the agitating farmers and the government on the issue of three new farm laws, and said he would embark on a foot-march from Morena to Delhi on Thursday in support of the cultivators.

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Forming new committee no solution: Protesting farmer leaders on SC suggestion

Protesting farmer unions Wednesday said constituting a new panel to break the stalemate on the three new agri laws, as indicated by the Supreme Court, is not a solution as they want a complete withdrawal of the legislations.

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OPINION | Legal considerations of agri reforms

Agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy. The Government of India recently enacted three core agricultural legislations – The Farmer’s Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion & Facilitation) Bill, The Farmer’s (Empowerment & Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.

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