Farmers' protest highlights: Agitating farmers set up new stage and temporary arrangements at Delhi-Haryana border

Protesting farmer unions Monday agreed "in-principle" to a government proposal for holding the next round of talks on the new agricultural laws on December 30, but insisted the agenda of the meeting should include discussing modalities for repealing the three legislations. The farmers' acceptance of the proposal came hours after the Centre sent them a letter suggesting December 30 as the date for the dialogue, against December 29 the protesting unions wanted. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said farmers agitating against new agriculture laws should resolve their issues through discussions. The farmers are also planning to hold a tractor march on the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal highway on December 30 with more farmers from different parts of Punjab heading towards the protest sites near Delhi.

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Residents and family members of farmers participate in a 'Jaggo' (pre-wedding ceremony) and shout slogans during a demonstration against the central government's recent agricultural reforms, on the outskirts of Amritsar on Dec 28, 2020. Credit: AFP Photo

Farmers raise slogans against Sukhbir Singh Badal, try to gherao him in Punjab

A group of farmers raised slogans against Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal and tried to gherao him when he visited Gurdwara Sri Fatehgarh Sahib here on Monday.

The farmers protesting against the Centre's new farm laws also waved black flags at Badal. The police, however, secured an alternative route for Badal's motorcade to leave the area.

Badal's SAD had quit the BJP-led ruling alliance at the Centre in protest against the farm laws and has extended support to the agitating farmers. But the farmers alleged that the SAD and its erstwhile ally BJP have cheated the farmers of Punjab.

Badal reached the gurdwara to pay obeisance on Monday, a day after a three-day traditional 'Shaheedi Jor Mela' concluded there. He also interacted with mediapersons there.

(PTI)

Mamata Banerjee demands withdrawal of ‘draconian’ farm laws

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee extended her support to the ongoing farmers’ protest against the three agricultural laws.

She said, “We are supporting the farmers’ movement. We demand the three draconian agriculture laws be withdrawn.” Farmers, mostly from Punjab and Haryana have continued to protest over new agriculture laws. Some inconclusive rounds have happened between protesting farmers and Centre over the issue.

However, both parties will talk regarding it on December 30 at 2 pm.

Govt should take farmers' agitation very seriously: Pawar

The Centre should take the farmers' agitation "very seriously" and there should be a dialogue between the two sides, NCP supremo Sharad Pawar said on Monday, two days before another round of talks was scheduled to take place between the government and farmers.

Pawar, a former Union agriculture minister, said it is a matter of concern that farmers are protesting on the roads in the biting cold amid a deadlock with the Centre on the new contentious agri laws.

Talking to reporters after meeting CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury, Pawar said, "The government should take the farmers' agitation very seriously... there should be a dialogue. Farmers are protesting out in the open on the roads in shivering cold, it is a matter of concern for all of us."

(PTI)

Protesting farmers agree to Centre's proposal for talks on December 30

Protesting farmer unions Monday agreed "in-principle" to a government proposal of holding the next round of talks on the new agricultural laws on December 30, but said the Centre should have spelt out the agenda of the meeting in its invite.

Abhimanyu Kohar, a member of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha -- an umbrella body of 40 unions protesting against the contentious legislations -- said the farmers have agreed to go for the meeting on the date proposed by the Centre.

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Farmers agree to govt proposal for talks on Dec 30, but want discussion on repealing the laws

Protesting farmer unions Monday agreed "in-principle" to a government proposal for holding the next round of talks on the new agricultural laws on December 30, but insisted the agenda of the meeting should include discussing modalities for repealing the three legislations.

The farmers' acceptance of the proposal came hours after the Centre sent them a letter suggesting December 30 as the date for the dialogue, against December 29 the protesting unions wanted.

Abhimanyu Kohar, a member of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha -- an umbrella body of 40 unions protesting against the contentious legislations -- said the farmers have agreed to go for the meeting on the date proposed by the Centre.

(PTI)

Over 1,500 telecom towers damaged in Punjab amid farmers' protest

Power supply to towers that relay telecom signals was snapped and cables cut in several parts of the state as farmers vented their anger on the infrastructure owned by billionaire Mukesh Ambani's firm Jio as they saw him along with infrastructure tycoon Gautam Adani as major beneficiaries of the new laws.

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SP's Ram Govind Chaudhary urges farmers to be ready for 'do or die battle' with new farm laws

Leader of Opposition in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly and senior Samajwadi Party leader Ram Govind Chaudhary on Monday exhorted farmers for a "do or die battle" with the government for the withdrawal of the new agriculture laws.

Addressing a 'kisan ghera chaupal' in Saidpura village under Bansdih assembly segment, the senior SP leader urged farmers' unions that "till the withdrawal of the three controversial laws and MSP was not made mandatory, they should continue their 'aar-paar ki ladai' (do or die battle)."

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Farmers during their ongoing agitation against new farm laws, at Ghazipur border in New Delhi, Monday, Dec 28, 2020.Credit: PTI Photo

A country that does not respect agriculture will fall, says Kamal Haasan

Backing the farmers protesting against the contentious Central farm laws outside Delhi, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) founder Kamal Haasan on Monday said any country that "does not respect agriculture will fall."

Farmers were "annadaata", Haasan, who earlier deputed a party delegation to express solidarity with the agitating farmers near the national capital, told reporters.

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Space for protest, free discussion getting closed, says Amartya Sen; BJP dissents

Nobel laureate Amartya Sen has voiced concern over "curtailment of space" for protest and discussion in the country where people are jailed without trial through arbitrarily imposed charge of sedition.

The BJP, which is often the butt of criticism by the economist, rubbished the accusation as baseless.

In an e-mail interview with PTI, the 87-year-old Harvard University professor backed the farmers' protests against three agricultural laws, insisting there was a "strong case" for substantial review of the legislations.

"A person whom the government does not like may be declared by the government to be a terrorist and imprisoned. Many opportunities of public protest and free discussion have been curtailed or closed.

"People are jailed without trial through arbitrarily imposed charge of sedition," he alleged.

The celebrated economist deplored that young activists like Kanhaiya Kumar, Shehla Rashid and Umar Khalid are often treated like enemies.

"Rather than treating young and visionary leaders, committed to peaceful and non-violent ways like Kanhaiya or Khalid or Shehla Rashid as political assets who should be given the opportunity to pursue their pro-poor initiatives in a peaceful way they are often treated as enemies to be suppressed," he claimed.

(PTI)

Manmohan Singh ji & Sharad Pawar ji wanted to bring Farm Laws but they could stand pressure: Tomar

"During UPA govt, Manmohan Singh ji & Sharad Pawar ji wanted to bring #FarmLaws but they could not stand pressure & influence. We're fortunate that today Modi ji is our PM who works selflessly for development of country & welfare of people:," says Union Agriculture Min Narendra Singh Tomar.

Amid chilling temperature, farmer protests bare bodied with tricolour painted on him

Notwithstanding the chilling temperature of the national capital, Vikas Yadav has been protesting the three Central farm laws at the Singhu border bare bodied with the tricolour painted on him.

With slogans written on his arms and face, the farmer from Uttar Pradesh's Kannauj region said he hoped this would draw the government's attention towards the agitation.

"Nobody is listening to us. We are living on the road, but nobody is paying any attention. Maybe now they will," said Yadav, who arrived at the protest site a week ago.

He "protested quietly" for a week and hoped for things to change. But after getting "frustrated" by the "inaction" of the government, he paid Rs 200 to get his body painted.

For him, painting his body was a show of "farmers' unity and strength".

"The government has been ignoring us. I came here a week back and nothing has changed. They don't care if the farmers are out on the road in this cold. They won't care even if we die.

"I did this to show our government that we are not afraid of anything," Yadav said, adding he will keep painting his body with new slogans every day until the government fulfils the farmers' demands.

(PTI)

'Wall of lies' to fall soon; hopeful of early solution to impasse over farm laws, says Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar

Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Monday said a "wall of lies" has been spread in a "planned manner" among farmers against the new farm laws, but it will not last long and protesting peasants will soon realise the truth.

The minister reiterated he remains hopeful to find an early solution to end the impasse.

It's been over a month now that thousands of farmers, especially from Punjab, Haryana and parts of Uttar Pradesh, are camping at Delhi borders seeking repeal of the three farm laws.

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Farmers' stir: Centre invites 40 unions for next round of talks on Dec 30

The government on Monday invited 40 protesting farmer unions for the next round of talks on December 30 on all relevant issues to find a "logical solution" to the current impasse over the three new farm laws.

The government's invite followed a proposal made by unions last week to hold the talks on December 29.

In a letter to the unions, Agriculture Secretary Sanjay Aggarwal has invited them for holding talks at 2 pm on December 30 at Vigyan Bhavan in the national capital.

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Farmers at Ghazipur border during their 'Delhi Chalo' protest march against the new farm laws, in New Delhi. Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020. Credit: PTI Photo

Govt should listen to farmers and take back farm laws: Priyanka Gandhi

In support of farmers’ agitation against the new agri reform laws, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi on December 28 said that government should listen to the farmers and should take back the farm laws. “It is a sin to use the kind of words they are using for farmers. Government is answerable to farmers. Government should listen to them and take back the laws,” said Priyanka Gandhi.

Farmers' stir: Govt invites 40 unions for next round of talks on Dec 30

The government on Monday invited 40 protesting farmer unions for the next round of talks on December 30 on all relevant issues to find a "logical solution" to the current impasse over the three new farm laws.

The government's invite followed a proposal made by unions last week to hold the talks on December 29.

In a letter to the unions, Agriculture Secretary Sanjay Aggarwal has invited them for holding talks at 2 pm on December 30 at Vigyan Bhavan in the national capital.

So far, five rounds of formal talks held between the Centre and 40 protesting farmer unions remained inconclusive.

(PTI)

We will continue to work to strengthen farmers, agri sector with full force and dedication: PM Modi after flagging off 100th 'Kisan Rail'. (PTI)

Attack on BJP leaders in Punjab failure of state government: Avinash Rai Khanna

Senior BJP leader Avinash Rai Khanna on Monday said the alleged attack on his party leaders in Punjab was a failure of the Amarinder Singh-led Congress government as maintaining law and order in the state is his responsibility.

Some farmers had allegedly disrupted an event organised to observe the birth anniversary of late prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Punjab's Bathinda and ransacked a makeshift venue prepared by the BJP's district unit on Friday.

A few weeks back, BJP president Ashwani Sharma's car had allegedly been attacked by a group of farmers in Hoshiarpur.

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'We have made new arrangements as the number of protesters is increasing'

Agitating farmers have set up a new stage and temporary sitting arrangements on the Delhi side of Singhu (Delhi-Haryana border). "We have made new arrangements as the number of protesters is increasing here," says a farmer at the site

Teacher Manoj Kumar cycles 225 kilometres in support of the farmers agitation

Teacher Manoj Kumar, who teaches at a government school in Punjab, travelled 225 kilometres by bicycle in support of the farmers' agitation and reached the Tikari border in Delhi. He said, "We all have to gather, it is not just the farmers ' agitation, it has become a public interest movement."

False narratives about new farm laws hurting farmers' interests: Niti Aayog Vice Chairman

False narratives about the new farm laws are doing significant harm to the interest of farmers as well as the economy in general, Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar said on Monday and expressed his disappointment at some economists changing their stance on the new legislations.

As farmers continue their protests demanding repealing of the three new laws, Kumar also emphasised that continued negotiations with protesting farmers is of course the way forward.

"Any argument that these measures (the Centre's new farm laws) will open the farmers for exploitation by large corporates is completely false because the government has assured Minimum Support Price (MSP) to all the farmers on a range of crops," he told PTI in an interview.

The Vice Chairman of Niti Aayog, the government think tank which also plays a key role in formulating economic policies, said that he was dismayed by the dishonesty of some Indian economists, including former chief economic adviser Kaushik Basu who used to support farm reforms, for switching sides and talking in different languages now.

(PTI)

Central Government calls farmers for meeting on 30th December, 2pm at Vigyan Bhawan in Delhi

Congress leader's son writes to CJI seeking end to his father's 'illegal confinement' by UP Police

Senior Congress leader and former Union minister Pradeep Jain Aditya's son on Monday wrote to the Chief Justice of India alleging that his father has been "illegally confined in his own house" here by the Uttar Pradesh Police since December 25, and sought his immediate release.

"...no reasons for detention have been provided to him.... We suspect that the District Administration and their political masters are targeting my father due to his political affiliations," Pradeep Jain Aditya's son Gaurav Jain wrote to CJI S A Bobde.

The Congress has alleged that Pradeep Jain Aditya and many other party leaders were put under house arrest to stop them from taking out a 'Gai Bachao, Kisan Bachao (save cow, save farmers)' march from Lalitpur to Chitrakoot from December 26 to 31. The party had planned the march in different districts of Bundelkhand region to highlight alleged mismanagement in 'gaushalas' (cow shelters).

Jhansi Deputy Superintendent of Police (City) Rajesh Kumar had said earlier that the Congress leaders were stopped from moving out of their houses based on apprehension of breach of peace.

(PTI)

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal addresses farmers after attending the 'Nagar Kirtan' during his visit to Guru Tegh Bahadur Memorial at Singhu border, in New Delhi. Credit: Twitter/@AamAadmiParty

Delhi: Leaders of around 25 farmer organisations today met & handed over to Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar a letter in support of the new agriculture laws.

MP Cong MLAs stage silent protest against Centre's farm laws

Madhya Pradesh Congress MLAs led by state unit chief Kamal Nath on Monday staged a silent protest against the Centre's new farm laws in front of Mahatma Gandhi's statue in the Assembly premises here.

The protest began with Nath garlanding the statue of Gandhiji amid MLAs holding placards and toy tractors and shouting slogans denouncing the Centre.

The decision to stage a silent protest was taken since the three-day winter session of the Assembly, set to begin on Monday, was postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak, said state Congress spokesperson Narendra Saluja.

Punjab probing if protesting farmers sabotaged telecom infrastructure

Authorities in Punjab are investigating whether protesting farmers were disrupting power supply to hundreds of telecom towers, a state official said on Monday, amid ongoing protests against contentious new farm laws.

"We have told the police to track all those involved in sabotaging the infrastructure," a senior official said.

A senior Punjab state police official said the power was disrupted to several telecom towers in the state, mainly ones owned by Jio, the telecommunications arm of Reliance Industries.

(Reuters)

Protesting farmers at Burari say they have renamed Nirankari Samagam ground as 'Kisanpura' "We have been protesting for the past 33 days. It has become like a village, thus we have renamed it to Kisanpura," says a farmer.

Space for debate shrinking, says Amartya Sen

Nobel laureate Amartya Sen has voiced anguish over the "shrinking space" for debate and dissent in the country where people are jailed without trial through arbitrarily imposed charge of sedition.

The BJP, which is often the butt of criticism by the economist, rubbished the accusation as baseless.

In an e-mail interview, the 87-year-old Harvard University professor backed the farmers' protests against three agricultural laws, insisting there was a "strong case" for substantial review of the legislations.

Priyanka Gandhi said the government should listen to the voice of farmers and should not dub the agitation as a 'political conspiracy'

"To say that this is a political conspiracy is wrong. I feel that the words being used for farmers are a sin. The government is answerable to the farmers and the government should talk to the farmers and take back the laws," she said.

She said the jawans protecting the country's borders are the sons of farmers and the government should understand that the farmers are the 'annadatas' (food givers) of the country.

A barber shaves the beard of a farmer at Ghazipur border during 'Delhi Chalo' protest march against the new farm laws. Credit: PTI Photo

Anna Hazare threatens to launch his 'last protest' for farmers

Social activist Anna Hazare has threatened to go on a hunger strike if his demands on issues concerning farmers are not met by the Union government by the end of January next year, and said it would be his "last protest".

Speaking to reporters in his Ralegaon Siddhi village in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra on Sunday, Hazare said had had been holding protests for cultivators since the last three years, but the government has done nothing to resolve the issues.

"The government is just giving empty promises due to which I do not have any trust left (in the government)...Let's see, what action the Centre takes on my demands. They have sought time for a month, so I have given them time till January-end. If my demands are not met, I will resume my huger strike protest. This would be my last protest," the 83-year-old said.

It is a sin to use the kind of words they are using for farmers, says Priyanka Gandhi

Government is answerable to farmers. Government should listen to them and take back the laws: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on farmers protests.

Farmers during their protest against the new farm laws, at Ghazipur border in New Delhi. Credit: PTI Photo

Punjab lawyer Amarjit Singh Rai dies by suicide, criticises PM Modi for ‘black laws’

A lawyer from Punjab allegedly committed suicide by consuming poison on Sunday a few kilometres from the site of a farmers' protest at Tikri border.

Amarjit Singh from Jalalabad in Punjab's Fazilka district was taken to the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (PGIMS) in Rohtak where doctors declared him dead on arrival, police said.

In a purported suicide note, Singh said he was sacrificing his life in support of the farmers' agitation against the Centre's new farm laws so that the government is compelled to listen to the voice of the people.

Singh wrote that the common people like farmers and labourers are feeling "defrauded" due to the three "black" agriculture laws and "the worst life is inevitable".

I appeal with folded hands to Centre to repeal farm laws: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday appealed to the Centre to repeal the new farm laws and said farmers are protesting for their survival.

In his second visit to the Singhu border, where thousands of farmers are protesting against the laws since November last week, Kejriwal said, "I challenge any Union minister to have an open debate with the farmers and it will be clear how beneficial or harmful these laws are."

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Punjab CM, SAD attack BJP for calling agitating farmers ‘urban Naxals'

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the BJP over the malicious and derogatory terms allegedly used by its senior leaders against protesting farmers. Singh asked the BJP to stop maligning farmers and their genuine fight for justice by using offensive terms like “urban Naxals, Khalistanis, hooligans etc”.

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Kejriwal ignores Manoj Tiwari invite on farm laws; BJP leaders repeat request

The BJP Sunday sought to corner Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for opposing the new farm laws with the party leaders Adesh Gupta and Manoj Tiwari asking the AAP chief to fix a date and place of his choice where the "benefits of the legislations" could be explained to him.

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Farmers camping at Delhi borders not for holiday, but to seek answers from govt: Hannan Mollah

Farmers camping at various Delhi borders are here not for a "holiday" but to seek answers from the Centre to their grievances, farmer leader Hannan Mollah said on Sunday as he criticised the government for a lack of response to their proposal for talks on December 29.

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I challenge those from the Central government who know the most about the Farm Laws to debate with the farmer leaders in public. They say that farmers do not know enough, it will be proven who knows more: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. -ANI

The Centre is not talking about the benefits of the laws, all they are saying is that it will not cause any harm. It will not take away farmers' lands, or Minimum Support Price, are these benefits? Why've you brought the laws then? Tear & throw it away: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal -PTI

Our farmers are forced to sleep on streets in open amid cold since last 32 days. Why? It pains me that over 40 people have lost their lives here. I appeal to the Centre to listen to them and repeal the Farm Laws: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. -ANI

Protesting farmers in Punjab, Haryana beat 'thalis' during PM's 'Mann Ki Baat' radio programme

Farmers on Sunday beat "thalis" at a few places in Punjab and Haryana during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' radio programme as part of their protest against the Centre's new agri laws.

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Sacrificing my life in support of farmers agitation: Lawyer from Punjab dies by suicide near protest site

A lawyer from Punjab allegedly died by suicide by consuming poison on Sunday a few kilometres from the site of a farmers' protest at Tikri border.

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Punjab CM's appeal fails to stop damages to telecom towers; 150 more damaged

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh's appeal to protesting farmers to not damage telecom infrastructure seems to have failed to deter new attacks, with more than 150 signal transmitting sites being vandalised overnight, sources said on Sunday.

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Don't let leaders supporting farm laws enter your villages: SP's Ram Govind Chaudhary to farmers in UP

Senior Samajwadi Party leader Ram Govind Chaudhary on Sunday called on farmers in his constituency Bansdih here not to allow political leaders who are supporting the Centre's agricultural reforms to enter their villages.

The leader of opposition in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly was speaking at a programme organised in Bisuali village.

Chaudhary said political leaders who are supporting the new farm laws should not be greeted with 'Ram-Ram', 'pranaam' and 'dua-salaam'.

"Giving them water and hookah should also be stopped. They should be stopped from entering the villages," he told the gathering. -PTI

Irani targets Congress over farmers' welfare and cow protection

Union minister Smriti Irani on Sunday hit out at the Congress over the issues of farmers' welfare and cow protection.

Irani's attack on the Congress came days after the Opposition party had decided to take out 'Gai Bachao, Kisan Bachao (save cow, save farmers)' marches in different districts of Bundelkhand region to highlight alleged mismanagement in 'gaushalas' (cow shelters).

"Those who had themselves grabbed land of farmers and have still not vacated, those who through their office-bearers had killed cows in a gruesome manner in Kerala and publicised it, do you think the people of Uttar Pradesh are confused and will forgive these people," Irani told reporters here. -PTI

Problems can only be resolved by talking. I firmly believe talks scheduled on Dec 29 will resolve issues if they're conducted from farmers' perspective, not from perspective of politicians who're politicising the issue: Union MoS, Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare Kailash Chaudhary. -ANI

Farmers prepare 'langar' during the ongoing agitation against new farm laws, at Singhu border, in New Delhi. Credit: PTI.

Bid to mislead farmers will not succeed: Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Sunday said that attempts to "mislead" farmers on the recent agriculture laws will not succeed.

Addressing a state-level function to mark the third anniversary of the Jai Ram Thakur-led BJP government in Himachal Pradesh, he said the new laws will raise the income of farmers, but the Congress was misleading them.

Whenever a reform is effected it takes a few years before it starts showing positive results, Singh said in his virtual address.

Be it the 1991 economic reforms brought in by the then finance minister Manmohan Singh or other ones enacted during the Vajpayee government, it took four-five years to see their positive results, he added. -PTI

Nadda posts Rahul's old speech to take swipe at him

BJP president J P Nadda on Sunday shared an old video of Rahul Gandhi's speech in Lok Sabha in which he seems to be advocating the need for farmers to get rid of middlemen and sell their produce directly to industry, as he accused the Congress leader of playing politics over the ongoing farmers' protest

"What is this magic happening Rahul ji. You are opposing now what you had advocated earlier. You have nothing to do with the country's or farmers' interests. You have to play politics only. But this is your bad luck that your hypocrisy will not work. People of the country and farmers have recognised your double standards," Nadda tweeted in Hindi along with the video clip. -PTI

'Income of farmers will double with the enactment of farm laws'

The income of farmers will double with the enactment of farm laws. It takes some time to see the impact of comprehensive reforms. I appeal to farmers to see changes in the next one & a half years. Otherwise, we can improve them (laws) through talks: Union Minister Rajnath Singh

(ANI)

It's unfortunate that those who don't even know about farming, are misleading innocent farmers. This govt never intended to stop MSP, neither it will in future. Mandis will also be maintained. No 'Mai Ka Lal' can take away land from farmers: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

(ANI)

Protesting farmers stay put at Delhi borders amid harsh winter

Thousands of farmers agitating against the three new Central agriculture laws stayed put at their agitations venues near Delhi, which is going through a harsh spell of winter, unrelenting in their demand of withdrawal of the three farm laws.

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Farmers beat utensils after PM Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' address

Farmers beat utensils during a protest against the central government's recent agricultural reforms as India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the nation on the monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat', in Ghazipur along the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh state border, on December 27, 2020. Credit: PTI Photo

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh's appeal to protesting farmers to not damage telecom infrastructure seems to have failed to deter new attacks, with more than 150 signal transmitting sites being vandalised overnight, sources said on Sunday.

"Forceful disruption of telecom services due to snapping of power supply to mobile towers by farmers in several parts of the state was not only adversely affecting the studies and future prospects of students, who are dependent entirely on online education, but also hampering the daily life of people working from home due to the pandemic," a statement had quoted the chief minister as saying.

(PTI)

Farmers' protest at Rajasthan-Haryana border in Shahjahanpur enters Day 14.

Two-wheeler industry hopeful of growth in Q4 but wary of farmers' stir, Budget: HMSI

(PTI)

A farmer during 'Delhi Chalo' protest march against the new farm laws, at Ghazipur border in New Delhi. Credit: PTI Photo

Digital campaign against Centre's farmer policy got huge response: TMC

The Trinamool Congress on Saturday claimed that its digital media campaign against the Narendra Modi government's policy towards the farming community has got a huge response on Twitter.

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Farmer unions agree to talk to Centre on Dec 29; Demand repeal of farm laws on agenda

But agitatingfarmersalsohad awarning, as they threatened to step up protests and “take big decisions” on January 1 if theModi government didn't relent in themonth-long face-off on Delhi's borders.

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Congress wants to convert peaceful farmers’ protest into bloodshed: BJP

BJP general secretary Dushyant Gautam said Congress' Ludhiana MP Ravneet Singh Bittu said in a media statement that the ongoing farmers' protest will not end ‘and to achieve our objective we can even pile up bodies, shed blood and go to any extent'.

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Farmers should have an open mind towards farm laws: HD Kumaraswamy

“I personally feel that farmers should have an open mind towards ‘experimenting’ with the new legislation,” Kumaraswamy, a former chief minister, said in a series of tweets.

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Ex-MP Harinder Singh Khalsa quits BJP over farmers' issue

Khalsa (73) had won Fatehgarh Sahib Lok Sabha seat in 2014 as an Aam Aadmi Party candidate but had been suspended from the AAP for his alleged anti-party activities. He had joined the BJP in 2019.

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It was a phone call from Bihar. They were threatening to kill me with arms. I've forwarded the recording to the police captain. They will do what is needed to be done next: Rakesh Tikait, Spokesperson, Bhartiya Kisan Union. | ANI

The first two points in our agenda for talks are - modalities to repeal the three farm laws, and mechanism & procedure to bring law for providing a legal guarantee on MSP (Minimum Support Price): Yogendra Yadav, Swaraj India

We request people from Delhi and other parts of country to come and celebrate New Year with protesting farmers: Union leader Darshan Pal

Farmershold a placard as they take part in a protest against the central government's recent agricultural reforms at Tikri border in New Delhi on December 26, 2020. Credit: AFP Photo

Farmers to hold tractor march on Kundli-Manesar-Palwal highway on Dec 30 in protest against Centre's agri laws: Union leader Darshan Pal

BJP ally Hanuman Beniwal-led RLP quits the NDA in protest against farm laws

I have left the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) in protest against the three farm laws. These laws are anti-farmer. I have left NDA but won't forge alliance with Congress, Rashtriya Loktantrik Party chief Hanuman Beniwal told ANI.

Farmers stand behind a police barricade as they take part in a protest against the central government's recent agricultural reforms at Tikri border in New Delhi on December 26, 2020. | AFP Photo

We propose to hold another round of talks with the Centre at 11 am on 29th December: Yogendra Yadav, Swaraj India | ANI

Farmers from Maharashtra reach Delhi border: All India Kisan Sabha

On Monday, thousands of farmers from Maharashtra had left for Delhi from Nashik in vehicles to join the ongoing agitation seeking the repeal of the legislations.

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More Punjab farmers head towards protest sites near Delhi

According to farmer union leaders, peasants from various places including Sangrur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur and Bathinda districts were headed towards Singhu and Tikri borders.

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Farmer leaders decide to resume talks with govt, propose meeting on Dec 29: Bharatiya Kisan Union's Rakesh Tikait tells PTI

Farmers agitating against new agriculture laws should resolve their issues through discussions: Home Minister Amit Shah

Credit: PTI File Photo

The Rajasthan Teachers ' Association was involved in the ongoing protests against agricultural laws on Singhu Border. "Our organization has performed a place in Rajasthan against the government," said a representative of the organization. These laws will affect the entire middle class.

(ANI)

"Farmers of Haryana, Punjab, UP & Rajasthan are protesting against farm laws because PM Modi is doing injustice to them. Farmers of Madhya Pradesh are innocent but even Congressmen are sleeping."

Wake up, join the stir & raise voices against these laws: Digvijaya Singh, Congress

(ANI)

A view of a crowded highway as farmers protest against new farm laws at a state border in Shahjahanpur, in the desert state of Rajasthan, near New Delhi. Credit: Reuters Photo

It said that those in power at the Centre were indifferent towards the ongoing farmers' protest, and "ineffective" opposition is the most prominent reason behind the government's apathy.

(PTI)

I would like to tell that over 10 lakh farmers of Jammu and Kashmir have received financial assistance under PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme: J&K Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha in Jammu

(ANI)

Former CM Shankersinh Vaghela today announced 'Challo Dilli' campaign in Ahmedabad to support protesting farmers.

While he is under detention at home, police stopped his supporters outside Gandhi Ashram & detained them as they began their protest march towards Delhi.

(ANI)

"Today, it has been a month since the farmers have been protesting. The Govt should repeal the three laws. As soon as that happens, we'll return to our homes," says a farmer from Punjab, at the designated protest site in Delhi's Burari

(ANI)

Specially-abled people from the National Federation of the Blind in Ludhiana join farmers' protest at the Tikri border.

Madhya Pradesh to organise training on farm laws so farmers can benefit, says CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Centre's 3 farm Laws have been implemented in Madhya Pradesh, and there's no confusion over it. In all 313 blocks of the state, we'll organise training on 3 farm laws, so our farmers can understand these laws & learn how to benefit from them: MP CM Shivraj Singh on 3 farm laws

(ANI)

Rajasthan BJP president Satish Poonia on Friday accused the Congress of spreading confusion among people and farmers over the Centre’s farm laws.

Poonia claimed that farmers from across the country are not part of the protest against the laws. “If all farmers had been in favour of the movement, then their number would not have been so limited,” he said.

(PTI)

Tried to reach out to PM but he didn't listen to us: AAP MP

Addressing a press conference, Mann said AAP MPs raised slogans in front of Prime Minister Modi, demanding immediate rollback of the anti-farmer laws but he did not listen to them.

"We wanted to reach out to the Prime Minister and tell him about the demands of farmers. AAP MP Shri Sanjay Singh and I raised slogans, demanding MSP law, the rollback of these black laws and others. We were also carrying posters on these demands made by farmers," Mann said.

(PTI)

Not farmers but 'farm-grabbers' may lose land: Jitendra Singh on new farm laws

Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Friday said "farm-grabbers" may lose land that has been illegitimately taken away from farmers and not that of the agriculturists.

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Rahul Gandhi suddenly said you'll have to withdraw #farmlaws. I am giving him open challenge for a debate, whether the laws are good, in the interest of farmers or not. I am giving challenge to Rahul Gandhi & DMK to debate: Union Minister Prakash Javadekar in Chennai.

(ANI)

No confidence in what Central govt says on farm issues: Yechury

CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury on Friday said there is "no confidence" in the words of the BJP-led government, even as the Centre promised that talks with farmers on the three contentious farm laws would continue.

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Selfish people behind farmer protests, says Yediyurappa

Calling those protesting the controversial farm laws “selfish,” Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Friday said that 99% of the farmers supported the reforms.

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Farmers sit near a bonfire to warm themselves on a cold winter night during their protest against the new farm laws, at Ghazipur border in New Delhi, Friday, Dec. 25, 2020. | PTI Photo

Centre not willing to solve farmers' issues, want to wear them down: Congress

“The entire country listened to Prime Minister Modi's clarification on TV today. They say bigger the crime bigger the clarification and the prime minister is just doing that,” Surjewala said, claiming that the PM and his ministers are only giving “clarifications” without looking into the plight of farmers.

Read more.

Farmer unions to again meet on December 26 on Centre's fresh talks offer, indicate resumption of dialogue

The unions said they will hold another meeting on Saturday where a formal decision on the Centre's invite for the resumption of stalled talks is likely to be taken.

Read more.

Since the govt that passed the laws is not theirs (Opposition), but Modi Ji's, they can't accept it & are opposing it, says Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

Opposition parties in their manifestos for 2019 Lok Sabha elections called three farm laws important for providing relief to farmers, she said.

ANI

Farmers during a protest against the new farm laws, at Rashtriya Dalit Prerna Sthal and Green Garden in Noida, Friday, Dec. 25, 2020. | PTI Photo

Attempt to 'divide and mislead' farmers, allege protesting union leaders after PM Modi's speech

Reacting to the Prime Minister's allegations that political rivals were misusing the protest to push their agenda, farmer leader Abhimanyu Kohar said unions do not allow any political party to use their stage and accused the government of diverting the issue.

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US lawmakers express concern over farmers' protest in India

New Delhi earlierstrongly protested “unwarranted” comments by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau after he and some other members of his cabinet expressed concern over the police action on the agitating farmers in India.

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Noida farmers beat plates, ring bells against farm laws during PM Modi's address

“Today again, PM Modi did 'apne mann ki baat' (spoke his own mind) and did not listen to'kisanon ke mann ki baat' (farmers' point of view). Farmers are demanding that the new laws should be repealed and the MSP (minimum support price) for crops be made a law,” BKU (Lok Shakti) spokesperson Shailesh Kumar Giri told PTI.

Read more.

Rahul Gandhi lying and misleading farmers: Irani

Addressing a farmers' rally in her parliamentary constituency Amethi, Irani said, "Rahul Gandhi is telling lies and misleading farmers. He is shedding crocodile tears for farmers and misleading them, his own jija (brother-in-law) has encroached upon the land of farmers."

Read more.

Punjab CM asks protesting farmers not to disrupt telecom services

Pointing out that telecom connectivity had become even more critical for people amid the Covid pandemic, the Chief Minister asked farmers to show the same discipline and sense of responsibility which they had been exercising during their protest at the Delhi border.

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Farmers shout slogans as they depart for Delhi to protest against the central government's recent agricultural reforms amid dense fog in Amritsar on December 25, 2020. | AFP Photo

I hope in the next meeting between farmers and the government, a solution will be reached. Farmers in many states are also supporting the new farm laws and sending 'thank you' letters to Prime Minister: Minister of State for Agriculture Kailash Choudhary

Facing farmers' fury, BJP deploys 54 ministers to clear 'misgivings' on farm laws

When addressing a gathering in the national capital, Home Minister Amit Shah sought to assure farmers that no corporate can snatch any farmer's land as long as Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister of the country, it had an uncanny resemblance with BJP's repeated assurance on quota issue that nobody can touch reservation as long as Modi is here.

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Modi Ji doesn't have the courage to talk face-to-face with the protesting farmers. Govt talks about Rs 18,000 cr being directly transferred to bank accounts of farmers. But, I want to say that middlemen still exist, says Cong leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury

The entire amount doesn't reach farmers, added Chowdhury.

WATCH | Protesters agitating against the new farm laws run a tractor over a police barricade in Bajpur, of the Udham Singh Nagar district in Uttarakhand

Farmers' protest a living monument of BJP's failure: Akhilesh Yadav

As the farmers' protest against the Centre's three farm laws completed a month on Friday, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav said the ongoing agitation is a living monument of the BJP government's failure.

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TMC depriving West Bengal farmers of getting cash benefits: BJP

Slamming the West Bengal government for not implementing the 'Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi' scheme in the state, the BJP on Friday accused the Mamata Banerjee dispensation of depriving the farmers of getting cash benefits extended by the Centre.

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Mamata Banerjee destroyed West Bengal: PM Modi attacks Opposition over farmers' protest

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday lashed out at Mamata Banerjee-led government in West Bengal while alleging that they have destroyed the state and was doing politics by stopping over 70 lakh farmers of the state from getting benefits of the Centre's flagship PM-KISAN scheme under which Rs 6,000 is being provided every year.

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'PM Modi doesn't have the courage to talk face to face with the protesting farmers'

Modi Ji doesn't have the courage to talk face to face with the protesting farmers. Govt talks about Rs 18,000 cr being directly transferred to bank accounts of farmers. But, I want to say that middlemen still exist & the entire amount doesn't reach farmers: AR Chowdhury, Congress

(ANI)

Those who are misguiding the farmers by becoming their sympathiser will be taught a lesson by the public in future: Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar

(ANI)

I want to ask Rahul Gandhi that were these pro-farmers policies not mentioned in the 2019 election manifesto of Congress? They are protesting just because those reforms are being implemented by PM Modi, and not them: Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

(ANI)

Through his address, PM Modi has cleared that government is ready for talks with those who have any questions regarding the three new farm laws. I hope, now protesting farmers will speak to the govt: Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

(ANI)

Except for West Bengal govt, all other states govts have joined PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. Till now, Rs 96,000cr has been transferred to farmers. In West Bengal, this scheme will benefit 70 lakh farmers. I have written to WB CM to join this scheme: Union Agriculture Minister

(ANI)

Our government is ready to talk to those opposing us as long as the discussion is based on facts. Only an 'Atmanirbhar' farmer can lay the foundation for 'Atmanirbhar Bharat': PM Modi

Due to our commitment towards farmers, we are ready for discussions on all their issues with an open mind: PM Narendra Modi

In many parts of the country, agreement farming has been tried. It has been done in the dairy sector. So far, have you heard that a company has monopolised the dairy industry?: PM Modi during his address to farmers

Promises were made and forgotten: PM Modi attacks Oppn

Those who remained in the govt previously for several years left the farmers on their own. Promises were made and forgotten. Due to the agriculture policies of the previous govt, the poor became poorer, was it not important to change this state of farmers?: PM Narendra Modi

(ANI)

When we increased investment and innovation in the other sector, we also established brand India in that sector with increasing income. The time has come for Brand India to establish itself with the same reputation in the world's agricultural markets: PM

Some people feigning concerns about farmers' land; We all know about those whose names came up in media for land grabbing: PM Modi

(PTI)

We connected over 1,000 mandis online, where more than Rs 1 lakh crore of trade has already happened: PM

We're making life easier for farmers in villages; Those making big speeches today did nothing for farmers when they were in power: PM

Today, every farmer knows where he will get the best price for his farm produce. With these farm reforms, farmers can sell their produce to anyone anywhere. What is wrong if the farmers are being benefitted?: PM Modi addresses farmers

Our govt has made more crops eligible for minimum support price benefit and given a record amount of money to farmers: PM

(PTI)

The groups who are talking about mandis, APMC are the ones who destroyed West Bengal, Kerala. There are no APMCs and mandis in Kerala. So, why are no protests in Kerala? Why don't they start a movement there? But are only misguiding the farmers of Punjab: PM Modi

(ANI)

Farm reforms became necessary because poor farmers, who are over 80%, were getting poorer during rules of earlier governments: PM

(PTI)

Will double farmers’ income by 2022, says Anurag Thakur amid protests

Those ruling Kerala for years are joining Punjab farmers for selfies, but not doing anything for mandi system in own state: PM

Mamata Banerjee's ideology has destroyed Bengal. Her actions against the farmers have hurt me a lot. Why is the Opposition quiet on this?: PM Modi

(ANI)

PM Modi lashes out at West Bengal govt for not letting over 70 lakh state farmers benefit from Centre's direct money transfer scheme

The farmers of Bengal have been deprived of the benefits of the Centre's schemes. Bengal is the only state which is not allowing benefits of the schemes to reach the farmers: PM Modi addressing farmers

Today, more than Rs 18,000 crores have been directly deposited in the accounts of farmers; no middlemen, no commissions: PM Narendra Modi addresses farmers

Earlier, I used to do rice farming but I am also interested in gardening. I have planted lemons in 3 acres and guavas in 7 acres of land. We sell them in local mandis and get a good amount for it: Hari Singh Bishnoi, a farmer from Fatehabad in Haryana

(ANI)

Some parties pushing political agenda by opposing new farm laws: PM interacting with farmers who cite benefits from new Acts

Some people spreading myth and lies that land will be taken away if farmers enter into contract farming: PM Modi

No corporate can snatch away any farmer's land as long as Narendra Modi is Prime Minister: Home Minister Amit Shah

(PTI)

Let farm laws be implemented for year or so; if found not beneficial for farmers, we will be ready for necessary amendments: Rajnath Singh

(PTI)

I received my Kisan Credit Card in 2019. I took an amount of Rs 27,000 on loan from the bank on a mere 4 per cent interest as compared to 20 per cent from intermediaries: Naveen, a farmer from Odisha during interaction with PM Modi

(ANI)

I urge you to tell farmers about the Kisan Credit Card and its various benefits which include the availability of loans at low-interest rates: PM Modi to a farmer from Odisha

(ANI)

Farmers halt toll collection on most highways in Haryana

Responding to a call given by the Bharatiya Kisan Union, farmers protesting the Centre's new farm laws halted toll collection on most highways in Haryana on Friday.

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AAP MPs Sanjay Singh and Bhagwant Mann display placards as they protest over farmers' issues, during celebration of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's birth anniversary in the Central Hall of Parliament, in New Delhi. Credit: PTI Photo

Watch PM Modi live here

There has been misconception that Minimum Support Price will end. Prime Minister has said & I'll also give my word that MSP won't end. It is farmers who've supported the country whenever it underwent economic recession & we've seen this many times: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

(ANI)

I appeal to the protesting farmers to end their protest and hold talks with the government. I hope they will understand the importance of the new farm laws, and the issue will be resolved soon: Union Agriculture Minister

(ANI)

Those who are on dharna are farmers, born to farmers' families; we have lot of respect for them: Union Minister Rajnath Singh at rally

(PTI)

PM Narendra Modi will shortly release Rs 18,000 crore under PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme to over 9 crore farmers. Today, we can say with confidence that the entire amount will reach the farmers' accounts directly. This will greatly benefit the farmers: Union Agriculture Minister

(ANI)

The three farm laws are in the favour of the farmers. Nobody can remove MSP system or snatch farmers' land from them. The government is ready to hold talks with farmers' unions with an open heart: Union Home Minister Amit Shah

(ANI)

The Opposition is misleading farmers regarding MSP. I want to make it clear that the MSP system will remain: Union Home Minister Amit Shah

(ANI)

PM Modi will release Rs 18,000 crore as the next instalment under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme to over 9 crore farmers today with a click of a button. He is the true well-wisher of farmers: Union Home Minister Amit Shah at Mehrauli, Delhi

(ANI)

Protesting farmer unions to hold meeting, respond to Centre's letter

Protesting farmer unions are likely to hold a meeting on Friday and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to interact with farmers during a money transfer event as the agitation at Delhi's borders against the new Agri laws is about to complete a month.

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AAP MPs raise slogans demanding repeal of farm laws in Central Hall of Parliament as PM Modi offered floral tributes to late Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his birth anniversary.

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar to interact with farmers, address press conference in Tamil Nadu.

(PTI)

Farmers protest at Delhi's borders with Haryana at Singhu and Tikri enters 30th day.

Chilla, Gazipur borders are closed for traffic coming from Noida & Ghaziabad to Delhi because of Farmers protests. People are advised to take an alternate route for coming to Delhi via Anand Vihar, DND, Apsara, Bhopra& Loni borders: Delhi Traffic Police

(ANI)

The PM will release the next instalment of financial benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) on Friday via video-conferencing.

With the push of a button, Modi will enable the transfer of more than Rs 18,000 crore to over nine crore beneficiary farmer families.

The PM will also interact with farmers from six states during the event, which comes in the backdrop of ongoing protests by peasants outside Delhi against the three agri- marketing laws enacted by the Modi government recently.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to deposit Rs 6,000 in the accounts of farmers. Modi saheb has begun this business of depositing money in (farmers') accounts when elections are around and senses troubles, Maharashtra minister and NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik alleged.

(PTI)

Seven US lawmakers write to Pompeo on farmers' protest in India

A group of seven influential US lawmakers, including Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, have written to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, urging him to raise the issue of farmers' protest in India with his Indian counterpart.

India has called the remarks by foreign leaders and politicians on protests by farmers as "ill-informed" and "unwarranted", asserting that the matter pertains to the internal affairs of a democratic country.

(PTI)

No record of meeting with farmers on farm bills: Centre in reply to RTI

The Centre on Thursday stated that it has no records of any kind pertaining to meetings or discussions with farmers' organisations before finalising the three farm bills.

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BJP dares Rahul Gandhi for debate on what Congress & Modi govt have done for farmers

The BJP on Thursday challenged Rahul Gandhi for an open debate on what the Congress did for farmers' welfare when in power and what the Modi government has done for them, as it rejected his allegations against the Centre as "baseless and illogical".

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