Farmers' protest highlights: MoS Agriculture reiterates govt's stand on Farm Law amendments

For more latest updates on the protests, click here .

. The Congress on Wednesday targeted the central government after a Sikh preacher, who was supporting the farmers' stir against the farm laws, allegedly committed suicide near the Singhu border.

. Hundreds of women, including many widows of farmers who were believed to have killed themselves over debt, joined a protest on Wednesday against government reforms that farmers say threaten their livelihoods.

. Does Rahul Gandhi know anything about farming?...He doesn't know whether jaggery is made from sugarcane or comes out of machine...People working against nation's interests have entered farmers' agitation: MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan at a gathering in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh

. A 65-year-old Sikh priest from Haryana, Baba Ram Singh, died by suicide after he shot himself on Wednesday at the Delhi border, where he was staying with protesting farmers, according to a report by NDTV . In a suicide note, he said that he sacrificed his life "to express anger and pain against the government's injustice."

. The Rajasthan High Court on Wednesday sought the stand of the state government on a plea challenging its decision to exclude two important crops of the state from the ambit of procurement on the minimum support price mechanism. A Jodhpur bench of the high court issued notices to the Centre and state governments at a time when the farmers have been camping at Delhi borders in protest against the three central farm laws that, they fear, are aimed at eliminating the MSP mechanism.

. Farmers across the country are supporting Farm Bills. These bills are pro-farmers, which give them the freedom to sell their produce to anyone at any price at their own will. If protesting farmers want some amendments, then govt is ready for it, says Kailash Choudhary, MoS Agriculture.

. 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.

. 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.

They also said the government should have formed a committee of farmers and others before the laws were enacted by Parliament.

Their assertions came after the Supreme Court indicated earlier in the day that it may form a panel having representatives of the government and farmer unions to resolve the deadlock.

Abhimanyu Kohar, a leader of the Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Sabha which is one of 40 protesting farmer unions, said they have already rejected a recent government offer to form such a panel.

. We welcome SC's decision on setting up a committee, even we want to resolve farmers' issue quickly. Farmers and govt will express their views in the committee, which is good. Whatever final decision SC takes tomorrow on the issue, we will act accordingly: MoS Commerce Som Parkash.

. Congress has already implemented all sort of laws in states ruled by them. But, for farmers to take their produce in global markets, 'One Nation, One Market' is required. And the introduction of Farm laws is just another step in that direction: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

. Tikri, Dhansa Borders are closed for any traffic movement. Jhatikara Borders is open only for two-wheelers and pedestrian movement.

. The Centre should give up its "ego" and "stubbornness" and accept the demands of farmers who are protesting against the new farm laws at Delhi's borders despite the biting cold, the city's Development minister Gopal Rai said on Wednesday.

Rai, also convener of the Delhi unit of the AAP, said the Arvind Kejriwal-led governmentand his party stand firmly with the farmers and have been making certain arrangements for them during their protest.

After a visit to the Singhu border, blocked by thousands of farmers camping there for nearly three weeks now, Rai said the Kejriwal government has arranged a Langar Sewa (community kitchen), water and toilet facilities for them.

. When PM Modi implemented demonetisation, Congress said that his countdown has begun. When he implemented GST, people said that his Govt won't come back. But in 2019 elections, people made him PM for the second time with more seats than the last elections: Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar.

. When attempts are being made to mislead and agitate farmers of Punjab in one corner of the nation, you gathered in Rewa, Sagar, Gwalior, Ujjain and other places to support farm laws by Narendra Modi govt. I thank all of you, says Agriculture Minister NS Tomar at Kisan Sammelan in Gwalior.

. If the government wants, it can end the issue in half an hour by sitting with the farmers. If the Prime Minister himself intervenes, it will be solved in five minutes. Modiji is such a big leader and everybody would listen to him. You (PM) talk yourself, see what miracle happens: Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena leader

. A Bench of Chief Justice SA Bobde and Justices AS Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian on Wednesday granted permission to implead farmer organisations after a plea to remove protesting farmers from blocking borders near Delhi. The matter will be heard in the Supreme Court tomorrow.

. The Supreme Court furthertells SG Tushar Mehta that it intends to set up a committee comprising representatives of farmers unions across India, the government and other stakeholders to resolve this issue, adding "because this will soon become a national issue and with the government, it won't work out it seems."

. JUST IN | The Supreme Court on Wednesday issuednotice to Centre and States on a batch of pleas seeking a direction to the authorities to immediately remove the farmers who are protesting at several border points of Delhi against three new farm laws.A Bench of Chief Justice SA Bobde and Justices AS Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian has also grantedpermission to implead farmer organisations. The matter will be heard in the Supreme Court tomorrow.

. We want the government to stop defaming farmers' agitation and holding parallel talks with other farmers' organisations," said Darshan Pal, a member of the 'Sankyukt Kisan Morcha', in his letter to govt.

. Farm leaders continued to insist on a complete repeal of the new laws while the Centre has only offered amendments.

Farmer leader Jagjeet Dallewal said, "The government is saying we won't repeal these laws, we are saying we will make you do it."

"The fight has reached a stage where we are determined to win no matter what," he added.

. "Disagreement has become a major crime in the BJP regime. They did not like opposition and democratic values. The farmers are agitating for the past 20 days and instead of listening to them, the government has adopted a stubborn attitude. Not only this, but the BJP has also launched a campaign to divide farmers and discredit the movement and defame it," Yadav said in a statement, according to Moneycontrol .

. As the farmers' protests enter the third week, the Supreme Court is set to hear a plea on removal of farmers from the Delhi borders. Protesters have blocked major highways and roads into the national capital.

. Aligarh Muslim University students have written to President Kovind about the ongoing farmers' protests and sought his intervention to repeal the new farm laws.

They also staged a protest and offered support to the farmers, who have camped at several Delhi borders fot three weeks fighting Centre's laws.

. Credit: PTI Photo

. BJP MP Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday faced the ire of farmers here as they raised slogans against the Centre for not repealing the three agri laws.

Saini, an MP from Kurukshetra, was visiting Khurdi village in the district to lay the foundation stones of some projects and inaugurate a community centre.

. Senior Delhi BJP leaders on Tuesday asserted that the Centre's three farm laws are an important step towards improving the lives of the country's farmers.

Participating in a Kisan Mahapanchayat organised by the Delhi BJP Kisan Morcha at Najafgarh, the leaders including state party chief Adesh Gupta, leader of opposition in Delhi assembly Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, and West Delhi MP Parvesh Verma interacted with the farmers of Delhi to remove any misconceptions related to the agri laws, the party said in a statement. -PTI

. Uttar Pradesh Cooperative Minister Mukut Bihari Verma on Tuesday said opposition parties have joined together against the new farm laws due to their frustration over the recent election results.

He claimed the opposition parties and some farmer leaders have realised that their survival is at stake if they do not agitate against the BJP.

The minister also addressed a ‘kisan sammelan’ in Amethi’s Tikarmafi, one of the several such farmer meetings held by BJP leaders in Uttar Pradesh to counter opposition claims on the agri-marketing laws enacted at the Centre. -PTI

. AAP MP Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday slammed the BJP-led central government for not convening the Parliament's winter session, saying it was trying to “run away” from discussing "anti-farmer" agri laws which have led to the farmers' protest.

The Sangrur lawmaker alleged that instead of answering core issues concerning the farmers in Parliament, the Modi government has decided not to convene the winter session citing the pandemic. -PTI

. Heritage enthusiasts and other people visiting the historic Coronation Park in northwest Delhi's Burari area in the past few days, have not been allowed entry, with security staff citing "lodging of paramilitary personnel" on its premises as the reason.

The massive heritage site falling under the Delhi Development Authority, sits next to Burari grounds, also owned by the DDA, where a large number of farmers protesting against the new farm laws are currently camping amid heavy security deployment. -PTI

. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday alleged that instead of listening to farmers, the BJP government was "defaming" their protests against the Centre's new agri laws.

Yadav alleged that the BJP only misleads people. "Had it believed in democratic values, it would not have resorted to barbaric lathicharge on peaceful protestors. By sending 'samajwadis' to jail for supporting farmers, it has done illegal and undemocratic work," he added. -PTI

. Mandis will remain operational. No mandi will close. We will improve the infrastructure and system of mandis. But even if someone sells (their produce), outside the mandi, we will provide them license. Farmers can sell at the mandi or outside it, as they want: MP CM in Bhopal. -ANI

. Launching a scathing attack on the BJP over farmers' protest against the three central farm laws, SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal on Tuesday called the saffron party the “real tukde tukde gang”, accusing it of setting Hindus against Sikhs in Punjab.

. Around 20 farmers become 'shaheed' during protest so far. On average, one farmer has died every day since protest started: Farmer leaders.

. Government is saying they won't repeal these laws, we are saying we will make you do it: Farmer leader Jagjeet Dallewal.

. People across villages, blocks to pay tribute on Dec 20 to farmers who lost their lives during agitation: Farmer leader Inderjeet tells media.

. Industry body Assocham on Tuesday urged the Centre and farmers' organisations to resolve the impasse over the new agri laws, saying that the protests are inflicting a heavy blow to the economies of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and J&K.

. Union minister Raosaheb Danve on Tuesday claimed his controversial statement made in context of the ongoing farmer protests was "misinterpreted" and asserted he can not make any derogatory remarks against cultivators as he himself hails from the farming community.

The BJP leader faced attack from various quarters after he sought to link Pakistan and China to the protests by farmers who are demanding scrapping of the Centre's new agri- marketing laws.

"My statement was misinterpreted for sake of news," he said at a press conference here when asked about his remark that the two neighbouring countries were behind the protests. -PTI

. Farmers' protest has made transportation of raw material, production aids to factories & finished goods out of it impossible. With 30% of workforce & no raw material, industry is on verge of shut down. Production is choked: Dheeraj Chaudhry, Member, Kundli Industries Association. -ANI

. At least 22 protesters have died during the farmers' protests on Delhi borders over the past 20 days, the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha, spearheading the agitation against the agricultural reforms, said.

. Senior BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday told the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly that three agri laws passed by the Centre were being opposed for political reasons and claimed that farm sector reforms had been initiated when the Congress-led UPA was in power.

Speaking in the Lower House, the Leader of Opposition also said that handling of cases against Republic TV's editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami and actress Kangana Ranaut "showed the state government's arrogance of power". -PTI

. A conspiracy is going on around Delhi to confuse farmers. They are being scared that after the new agri reforms the land of farmers will be occupied by others. Tell me, if a dairy has a contract of collecting milk from you, do they take away your cattle too?: PM in Kutch, Gujarat -ANI

. A number of "khaps" in UP's Muzaffarnagar have extended support to the farmers' agitation against the Centre's new agri laws and will join the ongoing protests at Delhi's border points on December 17.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the chiefs of "khaps" (caste councils) held on Monday at Shoram village in the Shahpur police station area here, Subhash Balyan, secretary of All Khap council, said. -PTI

. 'Sewa’ at community kitchens, attending religious discourses, reading newspapers and exercising. Twenty days on, life has settled into a routine for protestingfarmerswho are devising ways to crack the code of living through an agitation with no immediate end in sight.

When they are not raising slogans demanding a repeal of the new farm laws or listening to speeches, the protesters, mostly from Punjab and Haryana, are familiarising themselves with their new way of life at Delhi's gateways. -PTI

. Credit: PTI Photo

. Union Minister of State Kishan Reddy has said that farmers and political parties shouldn't blindly oppose farm laws and asked them to study the legislations in detail.

"We made a beginning for the revolutionary change that has been sought for decades in the agriculture sector. I urge political parties, except Punjab...farmers are not opposing. But don't oppose blindly. Don't oppose the laws out of political animosity towards BJP or Modi. See the laws. I request political parties also. We in the Modi government will clarify any issues in the laws that are are troubling you. If necessary, we are ready to change them. But seeking repeal of legislation is not a good tradition," he said, according to Moneycontrol .

. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday alleged that for the Modi government, crony capitalists are "best friends" and protesting farmers are Khalistanis.

His attack on the government comes at a time when thousands of farmers have been protesting for more than two weeks on the borders of Delhi, demanding withdrawal of three new farm laws.

"For Modi Govt: Dissenting students are anti-nationals. Concerned citizens are urban naxals. Migrant labourers are Covid carriers. Rape victims are nobody. Protesting farmers are Khalistani. And crony capitalists are best friends," Gandhi said in a tweet.

. Two Punjab farmers who were returning to Patiala from a protest site near Delhi's borders were killed in an early morning accident on Tuesday after their tractor trolley was hit by a truck in Haryana's Karnal district, police said.

Another farmer has received injuries in the incident which took place on Taraori flyover, they said, adding a few more on the trolley escaped with minor injuries.

. The protest against the Centre's new farm laws looks set to intensify further as more farmers are expected to join the ongoing agitation at Delhi's border points to press for their demands.

Over 2,000 women from the families of those protesting at the Singhu border here are likely to join the demonstration in the coming days.

Farmer leaders said they were making arrangements for the women coming from different parts of Punjab. Tents are being put up, a separate langar is being planned, and extra temporary toilets are being arranged, they added.

. Transporters' apex body AIMTC has urged the Centre to ensure smooth movement of traffic on national highways. It said the movement was disrupted due to the diversions resulted from the blockade by the farmers protesting the farm laws.

AIMTC has backed the farmers in their fight against the Centre's new farm laws.

"About 8,000 to 10,000 trucks traversing from various parts of the country carrying perishable fruits and vegetables, essential goods, other commodities and cargo worth crores of rupees are stranded leading to losses of crores of rupees. Though we extend our moral support to the farmers' cause, we also request the government to ensure smooth movement of traffic on the NH. The issue of the farmers should be peacefully resolved," a statement said.

. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has said suggested that Anna Hazare will not join the farmers in thier protests and that the farmers have the right to sell their produce in mandi or anywhere else they want. He also said that the Centre has not done anything against the farmers in the country, acccording to ANI .

"I don’t think Anna Hazare ji will join. We have not done anything against the farmers. It is the right of farmers to sell their produce in mandi, to traders or anywhere else: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on farmers' protest," he said.

He also said that lack of dialogue can lead to miscommunication. "If there is no dialogue, it can lead to miscommunication, to controversy & sparring. If there is a dialogue then issues will be resolved, the whole thing will end, farmers will get justice, they'll get relief. We're working in the interest of farmers."

He also said that 'some elements' were misguiding and that farmers should understand the three new laws.

. As agitating farmers went on a day-long hunger strike, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Monday stepped up efforts to reach out to farmers supporting the farm sector reforms, even as he held out an offer for talks with the protesting groups.

Seeking to portray acceptance of the reforms, Tomar met a delegation of farmers from All India Kisan Coordination Committee (AIKCC), founded by late Sharad Joshi, who declared their support for the farm sector reforms.

. The travails of the farmers in the context of the new farm laws passed by the Centre have the entire country worried as farmers are our ‘Annadatas’ and if they suffer, all are bound to suffer too. What possibly is the genuine way to help them survive?

. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday said the new farm laws will lead to immense inflation and will only favour a few capitalists, as he termed the legislations "anti-farmer and anti-common man".

Kejriwal, who joined AAP leaders, MLAs and volunteers at the party office in observing a day-long fast in support of the protesting farmers, said the new farm laws "gives license to inflate".

. The All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC), which has been leading the farmers’ protests against the farm sector reforms, has removed its own convenor V M Singh from the post.

. With some key roads blocked for several days now due to their protest against the three new agri laws, an umbrella body of farmers Monday apologised with "folded hands" to people for the inconvenience caused to them, but said they were carrying out the demonstration "out of compulsion".

. As agitating farmers went on a day-long hunger strike, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Monday stepped up efforts to reach out to farmers supporting the farm sector reforms, even as he held out an offer for talks with the protesting groups.

. Telecom operator Reliance Jio has alleged that industry peers Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea Ltd (VIL) are running a "vicious and divisive campaign" against it and making preposterous claims that migrating Jio mobile numbers to their networks would be an act of support to farmers' protests.

. A group of 22 retired Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officers on Monday alleged that the farmers protesting against the new agricultural laws enacted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government had “hardened” stance because they had been encouraged by support from Canada.

. Over 2,000 women from the families of farmers protesting against the Centre's new agri laws at Singhu Border here will join the ongoing agitation in the coming days, as peasants are set to intensify their protest further to press their demands.

. Our issues including the Satluj Yamuna Link canal are unresolved for the past 55 yrs. In this, the issue of protest for f arm lawsis added. It's a conspiracy to move the nation towards instability. We won't let opposition& their acquaintances succeed: RL Kataria, Union Min&Haryana BJP leader

. Social activist Anna Hazare on Monday wrote to Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar warning "resumption of a hunger strike" against the Centre's "failure" to fulfil his demands including the implementation of the recommendations made by M S Swaminathan Commission.

. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday said the new farm laws will lead to immense inflation and will only favour a few capitalists, as he termed the legislations "anti-farmer and anti-common man".

. We have said that we are ready for the talks. Govt will definitely do it if their (farmer unions') proposal comes...We want the discussions to be held clause by clause. They'll give their opinion on our proposal, we'll definitely hold further talks: Agriculture Minister NS Tomar

. Members of the All India Kisan Coordination Committee had come from Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Maharashtra, Bihar. They supported Farm Bills and gave us a letter on the same. They said that the Modi govt has done this for the welfare of farmers & they welcome & support it: Agri Minister

. Our farmers are in peril these days. Those who should be tilling their fields are sitting in the biting cold. But I'm happy people in the country including the army, lawyers, actors, doctors, are with them. We are with farmers too: AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal, at hunger strike, Delhi

. Agriculture Minister & Home Minister are continuously discussing the issue. The next round of discussions to be held soon. I hope 40 unions who came for talks earlier, will also join the next round of talks as well & come to a conclusion: Haryana Dy CM Dushyant Chautala

. AAP leader and spokesperson Raghav Chadha Monday said that whoever was calling the farmers protesting against the new farm laws laws as "anti-nationals" are themselves against the country, and they should go to Pakistan.

. The Chief Minister must speak of Maharashtra farmers first instead of commenting on protests in Delhi. Protesters are being beaten up in their homes here and the state govt is talking of protesters' rights in Delhi & calling it an emergency situation: BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis

. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Ministers and MLAs hold 'hunger strike' in support of farmers who are protesting against Centre's Farm Laws. Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, ministers Satyendar Jain, Gopal Rai and party leader Aatishi Marlena are present at the hunger strike.

. 10 organisations from various states like Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Bihar and Haryana, associated with All India Kisan Coordination Committee, are meeting Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, to extend their support on new farm laws.

. We are, however, always willing to listen to our farmer brothers, alley their misgivings and provide them with assurances we can provide. Our Government is always open to discussion and dialogue: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

. Agriculture has been one sector which has been able to avoid the adverse effects of the pandemic and, in fact, come out the best. Our produce and procurement have been plentiful and our warehouses are full, says Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at FICCI's 93rd annual general meeting.

. I appeal to farmers to sit with the govt and resolve issues related to Farm Bills. If farmers want to get something added to these bills, it's very much possible but it can't be an absolute 'Yes or No'. Sitting together leads to a solution: Kailash Choudhary, MoS Agriculture

. Farmer leaders on Monday started their day-long hunger strike against the Centre's new farm laws and said protests will be held at all district headquarters later in the day, even as more people are expected to join ongoing agitation at Delhi border points.

. The government is misleading everyone on MSP. Home Minister Amit Shah replied to us during December 8 meeting that they can't buy all 23 crops at MSP as its costs Rs 17 lakhcrore, says Gurnam Singh Chaduni, President, Bhartiya Kisan Union (Haryana).

. Centre will continue buying crops at the same amount, as they use to before, that's what 'buying at MSP' means for them. But we can't survive on that anymore. And Centre is not buying crops at MSP from all states, saysGurnam Singh Chaduni, President, Bhartiya Kisan Union (Haryana).

. Ghazipur 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 via Anand Vihar, DND, Chilla, Apsara andBhopra borders, saysDelhi Traffic Police.

Singhu, Auchandi, Piau Maniyari, Sabholi andMangesh borders are closed. Commuters are advised to take alternate routes via Lampur, Safiabad andSinghu school toll tax borders. Traffic has been diverted from Mukarba andGTK road. Hence, avoid Outer Ring Road, GTK road andNH-44.

. "Centre is being stubborn about our demands. This is an attempt to wake them up," says Balkaran Singh Brar, Working President, All India Kisan Sabha, Punjab.

. There's no rift among farmers. Threeleaders of Bharatiya Kisan Union (Bhanu) faction resigned because they were upset with their President Bhanu Pratap Singh, as to why he compromised, says Rakesh Tikait, Spokesperson, Bhartiya Kisan Union.

. "We want to wake the government up. So, 40 farmer leaders of our United Farmers Front will sit on hunger strike today at all borders points between 8 am and 5 pm. Twenty five of them will sit at Singhu border, 10 at Tikri border and fiveat UP border," saysHarinder Singh Lakhowal, General Secy, BKU (Punjab).

. Agitating farmers on Sunday accused the Modi government of trying to divide them after Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar started reaching out to farmers supporting its agriculture sector reforms. As protests against the farm laws entered the 18th day, farmers also decided to observe a day-long hunger strike on Monday. On Sunday, farmers took out a protest march on the Delhi-Jaipur highway.

. Good morning readers, as agitation enters 19th day, farmers are set to intensify protest and observe hunger strike today. Meanwhile, to make people aware about the recent farm laws brought by the Centre, the ruling BJP will organise farmers' meets at various places in Uttar Pradesh. On Sunday, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar started reaching out to farmers supporting agriculture sector reforms, prompting the agitating farmers to accuse the government of creating a divide amongst them even as protests against the farm laws. Stay tuned for more updates.

. The Congress Sunday said it was wrong to say that the farmers' protest is limited to states like Punjab and Haryana only, and added that terming the agitation "political" is an insult to the food-growers of the country.

. A large number of women descended upon Yamuna Expressway on Sunday and blocked it near its 62-km milestone to extend support to farmer leaders protesting against the three new farm laws, police said.

. Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Sunday described his Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal's announcement of observing a fast on Monday as "theatrics".

. Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar has started reaching out to farmers supporting agriculture sector reforms, prompting the agitating farmers to accuse the government of creating a divide amongst them even as protests against the farm laws entered the 18th day on Sunday.

. In 2018 PM Narendra Modi freed the farmers of Tripura. Today farmers here are moving towards doubling income & becoming self-dependent. I appeal to protestors in Delhi to visit Tripura and speak to our farmers to know the real face of communists: Tripura CM Biplab Kumar Deb

. I appeal to protesting farmers in Delhi to not come under the trap of communists. Maoists have already entered among you & they will try to convert farmers into party cadres like they tried to do in my state: Tripura CM Biplab Kumar Deb

. Devendra Fadnavis alleged that there is an undeclared emergency in Maharashtra. So, what is happening in Delhi? You are calling 'annadata' as terrorists. Anyone who calls farmers terrorists is not worth being called a human: Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray

. Some middlemen, commission agents & political leaders are running this movement. Those with vested interests start such movements in the country. The farm laws are in favour of the farmers: BJP leader and former Himachal Pradesh CM Shanta Kumar on farmers' protest

. Few students had come there to extend support to farmers but they were clearly told that this was only a farmers protest. The students left soon after: Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait on Jamia Millia Islamia students who reached Ghazipur border to support farmers

. Various elements try to enter an agitation which this large. Farmer union leaders aren't called Naxalites but other elements who try to enter the movement. These elements spoil the atmosphere: Som Parkash, MoS Commerce

. 90 people out of those who met the Union Agriculture Minister today have nothing to do with farming. 10 farmers who were present in the meeting have other businesses too. They have been brought here from Uttarakhand by a political leader: Farmer leader Jasbir Singh

. I hope that the farmers come with a positive outlook to the next round of talks. If the farmers move two steps, then the government will also move two steps forward, only then a solution can be reached: MoS Agriculture Kailash Choudhury

. Today farmers from Uttarakhand met me in support of the farm laws.I would like to thank the farmers who understood the laws, expressed their views, and supported them: Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar.

. We need to keep an eye so that no wrong elements are among us. All our youngsters need to remain vigilant. If govt wants to talk then we will set a committee and take further decisions: Rakesh Tikait, Bharatiya Kisan Union at Singhu border.

. Farmers will be on a one-day hunger strike from 8 am to 5 pm tomorrow. Dharnas will be held at all district headquarters: Farmer leader Gurnaam Singh Chidoni at Singhu border

. Some central govt ministers and BJP leaders are saying that farmers are anti-national. Many ex-servicemen, national and international players, singers, celebrities, doctors, traders are supporting the farmers. Want to ask BJP are all these people also anti-nationals?: Arvind Kejriwal

. Prominent people who're protesting farm laws today, are doing it just for the sake of opposing the laws. They themselves earlier recognised the need for these reforms. We will sensitise people on how the farm laws will be beneficial to farmers: Ravi Shankar Prasad, Union Law Min

. They have long juggled the demands of field and family, making sure both are tended to, and now hundreds of women from Haryana and Punjab have added another dimension to their busy lives – the protest grounds at the various gateways into Delhi.

. On Sunday afternoon, farmers protesting Centre's new farm laws shut the Delhi-Jaipur as part of farmers march.

Farmers and Centre talks hang in the air as the protesters continue to demand repeal of the new farm laws.

Tractors and trollies were seen as part of the march which began inShahjahanpur on the Rajasthan-Haryana border, NDTV reported.

. Protesting farmers on Sunday vacated carriageways on the Noida-Delhi Link Road via Chilla following a late night meeting with Union ministers Rajnath Singh and Narendra Tomar.

Officals said normal traffic resumed between Noida and Delhi via Chilla border after farmers vacated the spot they had been occupying since December 1 for their sit-in demonstration.

. Protestors agreed to reopen Chilla road, a key way connecting Noida and Delhi which remained closed since December 1 at the onset of the farmers' protests against the Centre's farm laws.

The farmers staged a sit-in protest on the Noida-Delhi link road leading to the road being closed.

"They received our statement and said there was nothing in it that could not be handled. However, they said they will have to get it cleared from the Prime Minister," said Bhanu Pratap Singh, President of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), which represented the farmers.

"They asked us to clear the protest, and said they will call us in 10-15 days. Thus, we decided to remove the blockade," the BKU chief said, NDTV reported.

. As farmers' agitations enter their 18th day, more farmers join the protestors at Delhi border intensifying their fight against the Centre's new farm laws.

The talks have ended without any breakthrough as the farmer leader demand repealing of the laws for any further talk.

The protestors have threatened to block the Jaipur-Delhi highway amid revamped security across the national capital's borders.

. Agitating farmers picketed highway toll plazas in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan on Saturday and claimed thousands more will soon arrive on Delhi's borders to intensify their stir against the Centre's new agri laws, even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi again asserted that these reforms will help increase the income of cultivators.

. A key road connecting Noida to Delhi, which remained obstructed since December 1 due to the farmers' protest, reopened late on Saturday night, officials said.

The Noida-Delhi Link Road was closed due to a sit-in demonstration by some farmers at the Chilla border.

These protesters are against the three new farm laws and have demanded their withdrawal.

. Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Saturday advised farmers to be aware of the "vested interests" of opposition parties, alleging that they are shedding crocodile tears for them.

While interacting with reporters here, he said the government's doors are always open for a discussion with the farmers over the newly enacted farm laws.

. Farmers in Rajasthan blocked highways at several places on Saturday to protest against the Centre's new agri laws, with BJP-ally Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) MP Hanuman Beniwal joining one such demonstration.

Terming the new farm laws as "anti-farmer", Beniwal, the convenor of RLP, said if Prime Minister Narendra Modi is equally concerned about the farmers, he should implement the recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission.

. Sticking to their demands, farmer leaders Saturday said they are ready to hold talks with the government, but will first discuss repealing the three new farm laws, and announced further intensification of their ongoing protest against the legislations.

. Progressive farmer leaders from Haryana met me & submitted a memorandum with their signatures supporting the three farm laws. They also shared their experiences on how these laws are benefitting them: Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar

. Centre is ready 24 hrs a day to hold discussions with the farmers. If the protest is freed from Maoists & Naxals, then our farmers will definitely understand that laws are in their & country's interest: Even after that if they've any doubt, we're open for talks: Union Min Piyush Goyal

. Notwithstanding rain and cold, farmers staying put at the Noida-Delhi border intensified their stir on Saturday with around 150 of them marching to a hospital-owned by the BJP's Gautam Buddh Nagar MP Mahesh Sharma, demanding the removal of the three Central farm laws.

. Farmers' trolleys coming from Punjab are being stopped. We appeal govt to allow farmers to reach Delhi...If govt doesn't accept our demands before 19th Dec, then we'll start a fast from the martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur on the same date: Farmer leader Gurnam Singh Charuni

. It's my responsibility as a representative of farmers to secure their rights. I discussed the matter with Union Ministers, I'm hopeful that a way will be found with mutual consent & the standoff will be resolved. The Centre is positive: Haryana Dy CM Dushyant Chautala

. We'll foil any attempt by the Centre to fail our movement. Govt had made a few small attempts to divide us and instigate people of our movement. But, we will peacefully take this movement towards victory: Kamal Preet Singh Pannu, Leader, Sanyukta Kisan Andolan

. I'm hopeful that there is mutual consent between the Centre and the farmers' Union and we can resolve this issue by talks. I'm hopeful for the next 28 to 40 hours, there will be another round of talks & some conclusive statement can be out: Dushyant Chautala, Haryana Dy Chief Minister

. We want MSP of all our produce including potatoes, sugarcane, grains, vegetables & milk. We don't want this guarantee in written form but we want a law for MSP now: Dungar Singh, Farmer Leader from Uttar Pradesh

. We want assurance on the MSP. We want a guarantee of the purchase of our produce under it. Farmers will be benefitted if you bring MSP Guarantee Bill: Sardar VM Singh, All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee

. Amidst protests by farmers over the new farm laws, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the government is committed to protecting the interest of the farming community through its policies and intentions.

. The Congress on Saturday cited a media report to claim that 11 farmers had died in the last 17 days while protesting against the new agriculture laws, with former party chief Rahul Gandhi asking how many more sacrifices will farmers have to make to get the legislations repealed.

. We've deployed adequate security forces at all toll points. ACPs also present. PAC (Provincial Armed Constabulary) platoons also deployed. There's no problem anywhere, we've made all arrangements to ensure that there's no problem for the common man: Love Kumar, Addl CP (Law & Order)

. (ANI)

. Centre's trying to defame agitation by calling it that of Khalistanis & political parties. Unfortunate that if one disagrees with them they call them anti-nationals. Ministers giving such statements must apologise publicly. We condemn Centre's attitude & such statements: SAD chief

. Unfortunate that Centre is trying to stifle the voices, instead of listening to them. Farmers don't want farm laws. Why is Centre showing tyranny when the section for whom laws have been formed don't want it? I request PM to listen to farmers: Sukhbir Singh Badal, Shiromani Akali Dal chief

. We've deployed forces to check that no miscreant joins the protest. We're taking measures to see that public movement is not affected. We're ensuring that anti-social elements, who're trying to create trouble, are being dealt with: Prashant Kumar, UP ADG (Law & Order)

. (ANI)

. "With this march we want to give a message to the Govt to listen to our issues," says Rakesh Tikait, Spokesperson, Bharatiya Kisan Union.

(ANI)

. We'd seen walls b/w agriculture sector & other areas associated with it - be it agriculture infrastructure, food processing, storage or cold chain. All walls & obstacles are being removed now. After reforms, farmers will get new markets, options & more advantage of technology: PM Modi

. The Delhi Police has increased security arrangements at the city’s border points following the announcement by agitating farmers to block the Jaipur-Delhi and the Delhi-Agra Expressways on Saturday to further intensify their protest against the Centre’s new agri laws.

. "Thousands of farmers will meet in Kothputli & then decide the further course of action. Govt should work to raise the MSP & also listen to farmers," he said.

. Central Intelligence should catch them. If people of a banned org are roaming amid us, put them behind bars. We haven't found any such person here, if we do we'll send them away: Rakesh Tikait, Bharatiya Kisan Union when asked if 'anti-national elements' got involved in agitation

. "There're 5 major toll plazas here & we have no information of any one of them being blocked by farmers. We're monitoing the plazas as well," says ASP(West) Agra

. This toll has been free since 12 am last night. Some farmers had come & it has been done for their agitation. We haven't received any order yet as to how long this will continue but farmers are saying that this will remain free till 12 am tonight: Ravi Tiwari, toll plaza incharge

. Haryana: Vehicles move through Shambhu Toll Plaza in Ambala after farmers closed the toll today, making it toll-free, as a part of their protest against farm laws.

. Farmers’ protests are threatening to snowball into the biggest political crisis of Narendra Modi’s tenure. To give in to demands and scrap the laws would be an uncharacteristic admission of defeat for India’s strongman prime minister, who promised they would transform agriculture. But letting the unrest linger could cause chaos in food markets, alienate urban consumers, and potentially derail the post-Covid recovery.

. The government on Friday asked protesting farmers to be vigilant against their platform being misused, saying some "anti-social" as well as "Leftist and Maoist" elements are conspiring to spoil the atmosphere of the agitation even as the protesters stuck to their demands.

Photographs of some protesters at the Tikri border seen holding posters demanding release of activists arrested under various charges had gone viral, prompting Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar to say that these "anti-social elements" are conspiring to spoil the atmosphere of the peasants' movement under the guise of farmers.

He also said the government is sensitive towards farmers and is in discussion with them and their representatives to resolve their concerns.

(PTI)

. Bharatiya Kisan Union has approached the Supreme Court challenging the validity of recently enacted three farm laws, which has triggered massive farmers' protests at Delhi borders.

. If the government wants to talk to farmer leaders that should be formally conveyed like in previous occasions, said Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait on Friday, asserting that anything less than scrapping of the new agri laws won't be accepted.

. Amid the ongoing protest by farmers against the Centre's new agriculture laws, NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Friday asked the government not to test the tolerance of the cultivators.

. Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Friday said some "anti-social elements" are conspiring to spoil the atmosphere of the peasants' movement under the guise of farmers and appealed to the protesting farming community to be vigilant against their platform being misused.

. "The agitation that is going on is not that of farmers. China and Pakistan have a hand behind this. Muslims, in this country, were incited first. What was said (to them)? That NRC (National Register for Citizens) is coming, CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) is coming, and Muslims will have to leave this country in six months. Did a single Muslim leave," Minister of State for Consumer Affairs Danve said at a function in Maharashtra.

Read more here

. If the government wants to talk to farmer leaders that should be formally conveyed like in previous occasions, said Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait on Friday, asserting that anything less than scrapping of the new agri laws won't be accepted.

Read more here

. BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh on Friday alleged that a "misleading and deceptive narrative" is being created on the agriculture bills because of which "gross misunderstanding" has spread among farmers.

Read more here

. Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Friday said some "anti-social elements" are conspiring to spoil the atmosphere of the peasants' movement under the guise of farmers and appealed the protesting farming community to be vigilant against their platform being misused.

Read more here

. On 12th December, we will block the Delhi-Jaipur road. On 14th December, we will stage sit-in protest in front of DC offices, houses of BJP leaders and block Reliance/Adani toll plazas. The number of farmers coming here is increasing: Balbir S Rajewal, Bharatiya Kisan Union president.

. I agree some issued surfaced during the rounds of discussion with farmers which needs reconsideration. Govt's motive was to start the market but if there is a need for amendment for farmers and traders, doors of the govt are always open: Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.

. Farmers’ union president Bhanu Pratap Singh filed an intervention application in the PIL filed by DMK MP Tiruchi Siva against the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020, the Farmer's Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020, and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.

Read more here

. "Essentially the farmers are acting out of pure suspicion of the government's motives. What they are saying is not that these reforms could not be good, they are saying 'we think that this is the thin end of the wedge and something else, much worse is about to happen'," Banerjee said, speaking at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit.

Read more here

. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday attacked the government, alleging that it wants the income of farmers in the country to be as low as that earned by those in Bihar.

Read more here

. "I am extremely in pain to see the suffering of my farmer brothers. Government should do something fast," Dharmendra wrote.

Read more here

. Amid the ongoing protest by farmers against the Centre's new agriculture laws, NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Friday asked the government not to test the tolerance of the cultivators.

Read more here

. "Laws made by the Govt have been formed after a lot of deliberation -- to bring a change in lives of farmers, to remove the injustice that was being done to them for yrs. It was done to ensure that farmers could livebetter lives and indulge in beneficial agriculture.

"We agree that we are not the over-ruling power and Unions might also have something in their mind. So, Govt is ready to make reforms in the laws after talks," Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said.

. "I think will find a solution. I am hopeful. I would like to urge the Farmer Unions that they should break the deadlock. Govt has sent them a proposal. If there is an objection over the provisions of an Act, the discussion is held over it," Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar told ANI .

. "Our proposal is with them (farmers), they discussed it but we have not received any reply from them. We came to know through media that they have rejected the proposal. Yesterday I had said that if they want to, we can definitely talk about the proposal," he said.

. Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Friday accused the BJP of adopting a heartless attitude towards the demands of farmers, and said the global response to the stir has "deeply" hurt the image of India worldwide.

Yadav's party has been backing the farmers' stir against three new agri laws.

. 2 Delhi cops overseeing security at Singhu border test positive for Covid-19

Two senior Delhi Police officers heading security arrangements at Singhu border where thousands of farmers have been camping for two weeks have tested positive for Covid-19, an officer said on Friday.

. With thousands of farmers protesting against the Centre's new agri laws staying put at Delhi borders, several routes in the national capital remained off bounds for commuters on Friday.

. Bharatiya Janata Party to organise press conferences and 'chaupals' in all the districts of the country on the new farm bills from today. 700 press conferences and 700 'chaupals' to be organised in the coming days.

(ANI)

. Members of Kisan Mazdoor Sangarsh Committee begin their journey to Delhi to join the ongoing farmers protest against the new agriculture laws

"Around 700 tractor trolleys are moving towards Delhi's Kundli border," says SS Pandher, Kisan Mazdoor Sangarsh Committee

(ANI)

. Charity service from Amritsar provides meals to agitating farmers who're protesting new farm laws, at Ghazipur border

"There's no count of people who're fed. From 5 am-9 pm we serve food. We'll continue until govt listens to farmers," says senior member of the establishment.

(ANI)

. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has come out with a booklet titled 'Putting Farmers First', highlighting the reforms introduced by the government in the agriculture sector through the new farm laws.

The Ministry's Bureau of Outreach and Communication (BOC), which has brought out the booklet, tweeted on Thursday, "Read the booklet 'Putting Farmers First' that highlights the historic reforms introduced by the government in the agriculture sector through recent three farm laws and various steps taken in the last 6 years for welfare of farmers."

The BOC said in an email that the booklet disseminates the right information about the new farm laws.

(PTI)

. Farmers agitating for the past two weeks against the new agri laws on Thursday announced that they will block railway tracks if their demands are not met by the government.

. The third day of protest by farmers gained more strength on Thursday as thousands of workers from the four transport corporation joined the agitation.

. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal on Thursday slammed the BJP-led Centre, accusing it of trying to thrust the "black laws" upon farmers the way it "imposed" demonetisation and GST in the past.

Read more here

. The agitating farmers rejected Tomar’s appeal for further talks and announced that it would now also block railway tracks in addition to staging demonstrations in all districts, toll plazas on highways and protests in all the states starting Saturday.

Read more here

. Members of a non-governmental organisation undertook a 'Sholay'-style agitation as they climbed on a water tank here in Maharashtra on Thursday to protest against Union minister Raosaheb Danve's controversial comments on the ongoing stir by farmers over new agri laws.

Read more here

. Many of the actions of our governments, both at the Centre and in many states, remind you of an ancient fable about a cock and a cat, attributed to Aesop. The cat is looking for any pretext to make a meal out of the cock. It accuses the cock of disturbing people every morning with its crowing. The cock argues that it is serving people and its activities benefit society. But the cat ends the dialogue observing that it is now her breakfast time. "Cats don't live on dialogue."Neither do monarchs. But democracies function effectively only through dialogue and discourse.

Read more here

. Farmer leaders on Thursday insisted that their ongoing protest against the Centre's new farm laws is "apolitical", after photos of protestors at the Tikri Border went viral in which they were seen holding posters demanding the release of writers, intellectuals and rationalists on the Human Rights Day. -PTI

. Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Thursday accused the BJP of trying to mislead people by referring to a committee he once headed while justifying the new farm laws.

“The Centre should not adopt a confrontationist attitude and should accept the demands of the farmers,” the Leader of Opposition in the state said here. -PTI.

. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Thursday targeted BJP leader and Union minister Raosaheb Danve over his remark that China and Pakistan were behind the farmers' agitation outside Delhi.

If the Union government did not share Danve's view, he should resign, the party demanded. -PTI

. Congress leader and former Rajasthan deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot on Thursday asked the Centre to accept the demands of the agitatingfarmerswith immediate effect.

"Thefarmersare fully alert and capable to protect their future, right and lands and the central government cannot confuse them with any vicious and undemocratic efforts," he tweeted. -PTI

. We strongly condemn the Central government's stand of not taking back the black laws. Today's press conference by the Centre proves that they have decided to fight against the country's 'annadata': Shiromani Akali Dal Chief Sukhbir Singh Badal. -ANI

. If Centre was agreeing to 12 of our demands out of 15, that means the bills are not right, then why not destroy them. We had demanded one law on MSP but they brought 3 bills through the ordinance...Our protests will continue peacefully: Rakesh Tikait, Spox, Bharatiya Kisan Union. -ANI

. Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar and Food Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said the media has to explore and find out if there are any forces driving the ongoing farmers protest at various borders of the national capital.

Both the ministers asserted that the Centre has already sent a draft proposal to amend some of the provisions of the two farm laws to farmers unions leaders who now have to decide and give a date for the next round of negotiations. -PTI

. Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh on Thursday slammed Union minister Raosaheb Danve over his "China and Pakistan behind farmers' protest"claim, saying his remark was a "crude joke" on the protesting cultivators and an "insult" to them.

"Such kind of statement is a crude joke on the farmers of Punjab and Haryana, who have been fighting for the last 13 to 14 days against the farm laws introduced by the central government," he said. -PTI.

. A group of sportspersons and farmers have started a laundry service using multiple washing machines at Delhi's Singhu border to help protesters there avoid trips back home to bring back clean clothes.

The 12 sportspersons from Punjab and Haryana as well as four young farmers from Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) said the laundry service was started simply to make things easier for the farmers who are protesting at the Delhi-Haryana border against the Centre's three farm laws. -PTI

. A key road connecting Noida and Delhi remained partially opened on Thursday even as farmers' protest against the new agriculture laws continued here for the 10th day.

Scores of protestors belonging to Bharatiya Kisan Union (Bhanu) stayed put at the Chilla border, while those of BKU (Lok Shakti) continued to camp at the Dalit Prerna Sthal. -PTI

. Supreme Court Bar Association on Thursday condemned "the use of force and repressive measures" against peaceful protesters, who have been staging a sit-in and road blockade in the capital city against the recent farm laws.

. India's government is open to amending some provisions in new farm laws, the Union Agriculture Minister said on Thursday, after farmers rejected proposed changes to the controversial laws they said would harm their interests and help big food retailers.

. Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday said the farmers' stir was also a movement to restore democratic values and that people are "emotionally connected" with it to "save" democracy.

. Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut on Thursday took a dig at Union minister Raosaheb Danve's claim of China and Pakistan being behind the ongoing farmers' protests, saying if is true, then the Centre should teach a lesson to the neighbouring countries.

Talking to reporters here, Raut said the Centre could have found a solution, if it wanted an early resolution of the deadlock between farmers and the government over the new farm laws. -PTI

. Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Kamal Nath has hit out at the Centre over the three new farm laws, alleging that the government was trying to ruin the country.

Thousands of farmers have been protesting on various borders of the national capital against the three farm laws enacted in September.

"The new agriculture laws brought by the Centre will exploit the farmers," the former Madhya Pradesh chief minister told reporters here on Wednesday night.

(PTI)

. Amid the ongoing protests against three new farm laws, Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Thursday said the Modi government was "sensitive" about the demands made by farmers and has addressed their main concerns in a "transparent" manner.

He also said that most of the farmers were "satisfied" with the steps taken by the central government, and added that their interests were "safe and secure" in its hands.

"The government is completely sensitive about the demands of farmers. That is why it has addressed their main concerns effectively and in a transparent manner. Most of the farmers are satisfied," Naqvi told PTI .

. Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday said the farmers' stir was also a movement to restore democratic values and that people are "emotionally connected" with it to "save" democracy.

Yadav's party has been backing the farmers' stir against three new agri laws.

. Right-wing supporters have disrupted an online talk by Kisan Sabha leader Vijoo Krishnan on ongoing farmers protests and the contentious farm laws with the programme organiser Ambedkar Periyar Study Circle in IIT-Madras saying that it showed that they were "shaken" by the agitation.

. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson yesterday seemed to confuse two separate issues when he reiterated the UK government’s stance that any dispute between India and Pakistan was for the two countries to settle bilaterally.

. India’s farmers have vowed to expand their protests across the country, buoyed by growing support from other key groups like military veterans, increasing the pressure on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government to scrap its new farm laws.

. This is an insult to the Indian farmers. The farmers are lead by their own interests and do not bother about any other forces: Hannan Mollah, General Secretary, All India Kisan Sabha on Union minister Raosaheb Danve's statement 'China, Pak behind farmer's protest'

. Amid the continuing deadlock between farmers and the Centre over the new agri laws, the Delhi Traffic Police on Thursday took to Twitter to inform commuters about routes closed for traffic in view of thousands of protesters camping at the city's borders.

The police also advised people to take alternative routes to avoid inconvenience.

. "The government intends to weaken the farmers' movement but many more farmers are coming to Delhi to join the movement. We appeal to the people of Delhi to support us," says Bharatiya Kisan Union's Manjeet Singh.

. If a Union minister has information that China andPakistan have a hand behind farmers agitation, then, the Defence Minister should immediately conduct a surgical strike on China andPakistan. The President, Prime Minister, Home Minister& Chiefs of the Armed Forces should discuss this issue seriously, says Sanjay Raut.

. In the wake of continued protests by farmers’ groups in Bengaluru over the controversial farm Bills, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa has urged farmers to withdraw all demonstrations and invited them for discussions with the government.

. Farmer leaders on Wednesday rejected a government offer of amendments in the new agri laws and a "written assurance" on continuing the MSP system, saying there was nothing new in it, and vowed to intensify their agitation by blocking key highways linking Delhi and a nationwide protest on December 14.

The sixth round of talks between the Centre and the agitating farmer unions slated for Wednesday was cancelled, but the two sides maintained they were open to dialogue.

The Opposition, which has been supporting the farmers' stir and had backed Tuesday's 'Bharat bandh', approached President Ram Nath Kovind.

(PTI)

. Haryana Congress president Kumari Selja and Indian National Lok Dal leader Abhay Singh Chautala on Wednesday met protesting farmers separately at Tikri border and said the entire country stands behind them against the Centre's new farm laws. Selja, who had on Monday met farmers near Singhu border, extended full support to their agitation.

(PTI)

. Mounting pressure on the state government to withdraw the controversial farm bills and drop anti-farmer policies, farmers’ outfits continued their stir for the second consecutive day on Wednesday.

. The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government at the Centre seems to be in a dilemma on whether to bend and yield to the demands of protesters over the farm laws, back off or battle it out.

. He also alleged that Muslims were earlier misled over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), but as those efforts did not succeed, now farmers were being told that they will face losses due to the new laws.

Read more here

. The controversial Karnataka Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (Regulation and Development) (Amendment) Bill was passed in the Legislative Council on Wednesday, amidst a rousing dissent by Opposition leaders.

Read more here

. In the wake of continued protests by farmers’ groups in Bengaluru over the controversial farm Bills, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa has urged farmers to withdraw all demonstrations and invited them for discussions with the government.

Read more here

. Mounting pressure on thestategovernment to withdraw the controversial farm bills and drop anti-farmer policies, farmers’ outfits continued their stir for the second consecutive day on Wednesday.

Read more here

. “These proposals were nothing but delaying and diversionary tactics and tricks which have rightly been rejected by the farmers,” it said. "We are with the farmers in everything and in every way," it added.

. Stating that the laws deprived farmers of their rights, Kanimozhi alleged that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami has betrayed the ryots by supporting the laws introduced by the BJP government at the Centre.

. The AAP on Wednesday alleged that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's movement is still "restricted" and the main gate of his residence remains closed by the Delhi Police, which denied the charge.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which had on Tuesday alleged that the Delhi Police put Kejriwal under house arrest after he metfarmersprotesting against the Centre's agriculture reform laws at the city's Singhu border, again claimed that it was being done at the behest of Union Minister Amit Shah.

The Delhi Police had rejected AAP's charge against it as "totally baseless".

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, AAP spokesperson Raghav Chadha said there is an atmosphere of "undeclared emergency" around the chief minister''s residence.

"I am telling you with full responsibility that the movement of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is still restricted at the behest of the (Union) home minister. The main gate of the chief minister's residence is still closed," Chadha alleged.

PTI

. They also said they will block the Jaipur-Delhi and the Delhi-Agra expressways on or before December 12, and all the roads entering into the national capital, one-by-one if their demands are unmet.

. Credit: Twitter/@rashtrapatibhvn

·

. India’s opposition party leaders TKS Elangovan,RahulGandhi, D Raja, Sitaram Yechury and Sharad Pawar address the media after their meeting with the Indian President Ram Nath Kovind seeking repeal of recent agricultural reforms in front of the presidential palace Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on December 9, 2020. Credit: AFP Photo

. Thousands of farmers camping at the Tikri borders are largely seen without the basic preventive measure against Covid-19 - protective masks.

. We will block Delhi-Jaipur andDelhi-Agra highwaysby 12th December, say farmer leaders at Singhu (Delhi-Haryana border)

ANI

. More than twenty different political parties, including many parties running state governments, have extended their solidarity with the ongoing historic struggle of the Indian peasantry and extended wholehearted support to their call for a Bharat Bandh yesterday, December 8, demanding the repeal of the retrograde Agri-Laws and the Electricity Amendment Bill.

These new Agri-Laws, passed in the Parliament in an anti-democratic manner preventing a structured discussion and voting, threaten India’s food security, destroy Indian agriculture and our farmers, lay the basis for the abolishment of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and mortgage Indian agriculture and our markets to the caprices of multi-national agri-business corporates and domestic corporates.

We urge upon you, as the custodian of the Indian Constitution, to persuade “your government” not to be obdurate and accept the demands raised by India’s annadatas.

With regards,

Rahul Gandhi (Congress) Sharad Pawar (NCP) Sitaram Yechury (CPIM) D. Raja (CPI) T K S Elangovan (DMK)

. As thousands offarmerscontinue to protest at various borders of the national capital demanding the repeal of three new farm laws, the government on Wednesday proposed to give a "written assurance" that the existing Minimum Support Price (MSP) regime for procurement will continue.

The government also proposed to make necessary amendments on at least seven issues, including one to allay fears about the weakening of the mandi system.

In a draft proposal sent to 13 agitatingfarmerunions, the government also said it is ready to provide all necessary clarifications on their concerns about the new farm laws enacted in September, but it did not mention anything about the main demand of protestingfarmersfor the repeal of the laws.

Home Minister Amit Shah in Tuesday night's meeting with 13 union leaders had said the government would send a draft proposal on key issues raised by thefarmersregarding the three farm laws, even though the meeting had failed to break the ice with farm union leaders who are insisting for repealing these laws.

PTI

. We'll strategise in our meeting & discuss their (Centre) proposal. Farmers won't go back, it's a matter of their respect. Will Govt not withdraw laws? Will there be tyranny? If Govt is stubborn, so are farmers. Law has to be withdrawn: Rakesh Tikait, Spokesperson, Bharatiya Kisan Union

. People rejected them, farmers pushed them away. They should apologise to the farmers, they are accountable to the poor state of farmers. People who have been rejected from everwhere are pretending to be the well-wishers of farmers. People have recognised their hypocrisy: MP CM

Farmers are standing with the PM. I thank the farmers of MP who made the Bandh ineffective. Our govt is that of the farmers & poor, we will leave no stone unturned for farmers' welfare: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan

. Modi ji should leave his stubbornness. It is a matter of farmers, such stubbornness is not right for anyone. All three laws should be repealed. Joint Parliamentary Committee should be formed, that will find a solution after talking to farmers: Digvijaya Singh, Congress leader

. They (Government) said they will send something in writing today. We have told them that if it's in writing, we'll look into it. We have our meeting at 12 pm today. A broader committee will discuss it. If the writing is on amendment, our position is very clear. If it's on repeal of the Bill, only then can we take note of it & consider. That meeting (today's meeting with Centre) is cancelled. If letter comes & we consider it positive, meeting can be held tomorrow: Hannan Mollah, General Secretary, All India Kisan Sabha.

. As one writes this in the dawn of a new morning, parts of Delhi remain still engulfed in darkness, clouded with barricades, with its borders blocked by farmers who are lying down across the highways, protesting against the new farm laws.

The situation of unrest, like many other from the recent past, forces (and urges) each of us to take a step back and reflect on one of the nation’s structural failings - a broken ‘kisan-sarkar’ contract.

. As Home Minister Amit Shah's talks with farmers ended in a stalemate, the Centre has said that it will send a proposal to the farmers over the new agri laws.

Shah requested farmer leaders "to end the agitation and said the government will send a proposal in writing... Some farmer unions asked why the government did not consult them before bringing these laws. To which, the ministers...said there is no point in looking back," Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Mahasangh national president Shiv Kumar Kakka said.

The sixth round of talks that were scheduled for Wednesday are unlikely to take place as many union leaders said there was no question of attending the meeting. Some leaders said they refused to attend and said that the next course of action will taken by the farmers after the government sends the proposal.

However, the farmers continue to demand the complete repeal of the new farm laws

. Home Minister Amit Shah has rejected the demand to repeal the three farm laws after meeting a small group of farmers’ leaders on Tuesday night, even as farmers across the country staged Bharat Bandh in a show of strength.

. The bandh call received a lukewarm response in Mysuru with life remaining largely normal. However, farmers, members of various political parties, pro-Kannada and Leftist organisations staged protests across the city.

Read more here

. A PIL seekingto allowfarmers, who are protesting at several border points of the national capital against the new farm laws,toprotest at the designated placeby following Covid-19guidelines has been filed in the Supreme Court.

Read more here

. “The home minister told us that a proposal will be given to the farmer leaders by 11 am on Wednesday. We will hold a meeting over the government’s proposal and decide the future course of action,” Jagjit Singh Dalewal, president of Bhartiya Kisan Union-Sidhupur, told DH after the two-and-a-half-hour meeting with Shah.

Read more here

. As one writes this in the dawn of a new morning, parts of Delhi remain still engulfed in darkness, clouded with barricades, with its borders blocked by farmers who are lying down across the highways, protesting against the new farm laws.

Read more here

. The government's sixth round of talks with representatives of farmers protesting at Delhi's borders against three new farm laws is scheduled to be held on Wednesday, a day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a meeting with select farmer leaders in a bid to break the deadlock.

. The Bharat Bandh on Tuesday evoked good response in Maharashtra, where the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi constituents and various organisations and unions backed the agitation of the farmers.

. To foil any untoward incident during the 'Bharat Bandh', the Mathura district administration made preventive arrests of over 150 leaders and activists of different political parties on Tuesday, officials said.

. A day before the government's crucial sixth round of talks with representatives of protesting farmers, Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday met a select group of union leaders in a bid to break the deadlock.

Sources said 13 farmer leaders were called for the meeting, which began after 8 pm. The farmer leaders included eight from Punjab and five from various nationwide organisations. -PTI

. Farmer leaders claimed on Tuesday their 'Bharat Bandh' against the new farm laws was "successful" and had an impact in 25 states.

Addressing a press conference at a protest site on the Singhu border, they said the "super bandh" made the government open its “eyes and ears”.

. A delegation of opposition parties will meet President Ram Nath Kovind on December 9 over concerns on the three new agriculture laws enacted by the Centre in September and to seek their repeal, senior leaders said Tuesday.

. Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Tuesday said the unity showcased by the farmers through the 'Bharat Bandh' has underscored the need for a repeal of the farm laws.

. The BJP on Tuesday accused Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of practising politics of "lies, deceit and propaganda" for alleging that Delhi Police has put him under house arrest as the saffron party refuted his claim.

. Had parliamentary proceedings been followed, the situation would have not arisen. Opposition's views were not considered and laws were made in haste without consulting stakeholders: Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. -ANI

. The Bharat Bandh, in protest against the controversial new farm legislation passed by the Centre, ended without any incident in Andhra Pradesh with the state government lending support by suspending the public transport bus services.

. Social media was abuzz on Tuesday with messages of solidarity with the agitating farmers on 'Bharat Bandh' day as netizens made ploughs, tractors, crops and 'Kisan' trend on Twitter in support of the protesters' demands.

. I had planned that today I would go to the border not as CM but as a common man to express my solidarity with the farmers. I think they came to know about my plan and they did not let me go: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. - ANI

. Farmers will demand just a "yes or no" to their demands when they meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah, their leaders said on Tuesday while claiming their 'Bharat Bandh' against the new farm laws is "successful" and had impact in 25 states.

. Leaders and workers of the NCP in Maharashtra, led by the party's state unit president, Jayant Patil, came out in support of farmers who observed a Bharat Bandh on Tuesday to demand scrapping of the Centres' new agricultural laws.

. The BJP will carry out awareness yatras across India on the three controversial farm laws to mobilise farmers’ support.

BJP national general secretary C T Ravi said that the Centre was also ready to amend the laws if specific shortcomings of the legislation are highlighted.

. As protests against the new farm laws raged across the country, India answered calls of Bharat Bandh raised by the farmer outfits. While some states had mixed response, spurts of protests were seen in almost every state. Here are some pictures showcasing how the Bandh was observed in various parts of the country.

. Rousing speeches and slogans reverberated through the air at Tikri border, one of the protest sites against the Centre's new farm laws, where farmers observed 'Bharat Bandh' on Tuesday. -PTI

. A clash broke out between Congress and BJP workers in Rajasthan's Jaipur during Tuesday's 'Bharat Bandh', which otherwise evoked a mixed reaction in the state with mandis closed but several shops open and transport services running.

. Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut on Tuesday said the Uddhav Thackeray-led party never supported the three farm laws in Lok Sabha as alleged by the BJP.

. Farmers blocked national highways and other key roads at many places in Punjab and Haryana on Tuesday as part of the their nationwide protest to press for repeal of the Centre's new agri marketing laws.

. A joint delegation of Opposition parties will meet President Kovind tomorrow at 5 pm. The delegation will include Rahul Gandhi, Sharad Pawar and others. Due to Covid-19 protocol, only 5 people have been allowed to meet him: Sitaram Yechury, CPI (Marxist). -ANI

. Maharashtra minister and Shiv Sena leader Abdul Sattar on Tuesday said the party workers will go to Delhi if issues of farmers are not resolved soon.

. Are the farmers stupid that they've gathered here in such numbers? There's a huge difference in the farmers from 30 years ago and now. The farmers today are much much better informed: Kamal Nath, Congress leader and former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh. -ANI

. Visuals near Rashtriya Dalit Prerna Sthal. . More farmers from Punjab and Haryana trickled in at the Singhu border on tractor-trolleys and cars on Tuesday amid heavy security presence as a nationwide protest called their representatives against the Centre's agri laws was underway.

The 'Bharat Bandh', however, hit the supply of essentials, including rice, wheat flour, lentils, oil, milk, soap and toothpaste, for the protesters camping at the border for the 13th day on the trot.

"Obviously, the rations supply will be hit. But we have enough stacked up for another 2-3 months. We have come prepared for a long haul," Gurjaint Singh from Panipat said.

But the numbers have started to swell as many more are coming in on bicycles and carts, he said.

. The members of Raitha Sangha, Hasiru Sene, Prantha Raitha Sangha, Vidyarthi, Yuva, Dalita Sanghatanegalu in association with Karavali Karnataka Janabhivridhi Vedike staged a protest against the farm laws by blocking the road, at Nanthoor Circle in Mangaluru on Tuesday.

. Credit: Special arrangement

. They should call a Parliamentary session and discuss these exact reforms: Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Congress leader, former Haryana Chief Minister

. These claims are totally baseless & unfounded. There's absolutely no restriction whatsoever. CM has been meeting his usual engagements & has been moving out of his residence. There's adequate security in the area to maintain peace & to prevent untoward incident: Special CP, Delhi

.It is a general deployment to avoid any clash between AAP and any other party. CM has not been put under house arrest: Anto Alphonse, DCP North, Delhi

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Enhanced security to stop farmers during their protest against the new farm laws, at Delhi-Noida border. Credit: PTI Photo

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