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Farmers’ protest Updates: Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal termed the new farm laws as “anti-farmer and anti-common man” and claimed they will lead to immense inflation and will only favour a few capitalists. Meanwhile, Yogesh Pratap Singh, the Uttar Pradesh unit chief of the BKU-Bhanu, started an indefinite fast at the Chilla border between Noida and Delhi. As farmers intensified their agitation against the Centre’s farm laws and observed a day-long fast on Monday, Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar Monday said that the government is engaging with farmer leaders to decide on the next date of talks. Amid a protest by farmers against the Centre’s three new farm laws, BJP general secretary Arun Singh on Monday claimed that more than 99 percent of farmers in the country are with the Modi government. He alleged that Congress fuelled the ongoing farmers’ agitation Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday appealed to people to fast wherever they are in support of protesting farmers, and asserted that farmers will win in the end. Kejriwal is holding a one-day fast in support of the farmers’ protest on Monday. The chief minister also urged his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) volunteers, supporters, as well as the people of the country to join the farmers’ agitation. Speaking at FICCI’s 93rd annual general meeting, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said there is no question of taking any retrograde steps against the agricultural sector. Rajnath stated that the farm sector was the one sector that was able to avoid the adverse effects of pandemic. “Our produce and procurement have been plentiful and our warehouses are full,” he said. Union Minister Prakash Javadekar called Arvind Kejriwal a hypocrite after the Delhi Chief Minister announced he will observe a fast along with farmers’ leaders today. Javadekar reminded him that the Delhi government had notified one of the farm laws in November. Delhi Police announced that the Gazipur border has been closed for traffic coming from Ghaziabad to Delhi due to farmers’ protests. Meanwhile, Gurnam Singh Chaduni, president of the BKU’s Haryana chapter, said that Amit Shah had said in the 8 December meeting that they can’t buy all 23 crops at MSP as its costs Rs 17 lakhs crores, adding that the Centre is “misleading everyone”. Leaders of the Bhartiya Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan), who had organised an event to demand the release of jailed activists last week, have decided to distance themselves from the one-day hunger strike call given by 32 farmer unions from Punjab. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal accused Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh of trading off farmers’ protest to save his son from an ED case. Leaders of farmers’ bodies will observe a hunger strike on Monday and hold demonstrations across the country, two days ahead of the scheduled hearing of a plea against their gathering at the Delhi border in protest against farm laws. In Punjab, farmer unions will protest on Monday outside the offices of deputy commissioners of all districts, Reliance Group shopping malls and fuel pumps, and outside the houses of BJP functionaries. Around 400 police personnel, including an RAF company, have been deployed by Rewari police to stop more farmers marching towards Delhi. The hunger strike, which will be observed from 8 am till 5 pm, received the support of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. “I will hold a one-day fast tomorrow in support of farmers’ protests. I appeal to AAP volunteers to join in. Centre should immediately accept all demands of farmers protesting the laws and bring a bill to guarantee MSP (minimum support price),” he said. Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said the Kejriwal government had “backstabbed” the farmers by “shamelessly” notifying one of the farm laws on 23 November. “And now, they are indulging in theatrics by announcing that they would be sitting on a fast in support of the farmers’ hunger strike on Monday,” he said. The Singhu border, where farmers have gathered since late November, is likely to witness a logjam with 10,000 protesters expected to join those at the protest site, The Times of India reported. Around 1.45 pm on Sunday, traffic on the Delhi-Jaipur national highway was stalled at Jaisingh Khera as hundreds of farmers from Rajasthan were stopped by police from going further. The border was opened for vehicles coming from Delhi after 3.5 hours, according to officials. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi said reforms will “help draw investment to agriculture”, Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said the opposition parties ran a propaganda against the new farm laws. “When reforms are undertaken it will benefit farmers in the long run. But in the short run, some may face difficulty. We know we can achieve no gain without difficulties,” the Union Minister, who has held several round of negotiations with farmers’ representatives, told PTI. Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad warned against the infiltration of “tukde tukde gang” and warned that strict action will be taken against them. Prasad said, “They are saying that they will not withdraw their movement unless and until these laws are withdrawn. We would like to say that Narendra Modi government respects farmers but would like to make it clear that stern action will be taken against ’tukde tukde gang’ taking advantage of farmers movement,” Prasad said. Meanwhile, MoS Agriculture Kailash Choudhury said he hopes the farmers come with a “positive outlook” to the next round of talks. “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,” he said. On Sunday, the Delhi-Jaipur highway was closed for a few hours as farmers from Rajasthan and Haryana started marching towards the national capital. Over 4,000 policemen were deployed in Gurugran and Faridabad to stop the march. The Bharatiya Kisan Union (Bhanu) faction saw discord on Sunday over the opening of a highway from Noida to Delhi, a day after Thakur Bhanu Pratap Singh, the president of the organisation, met with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The UP unit chief of the BKU (Bhanu) Yogesh Pratap, who was holding a sit-in protest on the Chilla road for the last 12 days, disagreed with the decision. This is the second nationwide protest in less than a week after highways were blocked last Tuesday as a part a countrywide shutdown call backed by opposition parties and trade unions. Despite several round of talks with the government, farmers have said the protests will continue till the new farm laws are scrapped. Choudhary on Sunday said the government will soon decide a date and call union leaders for the next round of talks. The previous five rounds of talks between the central government and representatives of 40 farmer unions remained inconclusive. The sixth round of talks did not take place after farmer leaders rejected the government’s draft proposal to amend certain provisions of the farm laws and declined to participate in the meeting. Nine-year-old Manipur climate activist Licypriya Kangujam was at the Singhu border to back the stir. “Our farmers are the biggest victims of climate change. The government should solve the ongoing farmer crisis at the earliest,” she said. Swaraj India chief Yogendra Yadav and activist Medha Patkar were among those who reached the site at Shahjahanpur where Haryana police have blocked protesters from Rajasthan.
Farmers' protest Updates: Agri laws will lead to inflation, says Kejriwal; BKU (Bhanu) leader starts indefinite fast
Farmers’ protest Updates: The Delhi chief minister, who earlier joined AAP leaders, MLAs and volunteers at the party office in observing a day-long fast, alleged that the new farm laws are “anti-farmer and anti-aam aadmi” and are aimed at benefiting a few capitalists
 "Farmers' protest Updates: Agri laws will lead to inflation, says Kejriwal; BKU (Bhanu) leader starts indefinite fast")
Farmers’ protest LATEST Updates
Delhi BJP to launch campaign to drum up support for agri laws
The Delhi BJP will launch a four day campaign from Tuesday to drum up support in favour of the three farm laws that have drawn thousands of protesting farmers from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and other states, at the borders of the National Capital. The farmers in Delhi will be apprised of the features of the “historical” agricultural reform laws and clear misconceptions spread by the opposition parties regarding these laws, during the campaign, said Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly. Bidhuri will be the head of the campaign while party’s Kisan Morcha president Vinod Sehrawat will be the co-head, the party said. A total of 16 major conferences will be organised along with several chaupal meetings among the farmers. Several national and Delhi BJP leaders will address these conferences, Bidhuri said.
PTI
Farmers’ protest LATEST Updates
Political parties stage protests in Puducherry
Workers of different political parties on Monday staged protests in Puducherry expressing solidarity with farmers agitating in Delhi against the contentious farm
laws while an eighth standard girl student too hit the street in support of their cause. Dharshini, a student of a private school and daughter of a local journalist, began a ‘fast’ in front of the Mahatma Gandhi statue on the Beach Road holding placards with slogans asking the Centre to repeal the farm laws. However, she wrapped up her agitation about an hour later as police told her that she had not obtained permission for it.
PTI
Farmers’ protest LATEST Updates
INLD to boycott Haryana municipal polls
The Indian National Lok Dal Monday announced it will “boycott” the upcoming municipal polls in Haryana in protest against the “atrocities” being allegedly committed on farmers by the Centre and the state’s BJP-JJP governments. Elections to the municipal bodies in Haryana are scheduled to be held on 27 December .
Senior INLD leader and party MLA Abhay Singh Chautala, in a statement, alleged that BJP ministers are “insulting” the protesting farmers by calling them “terrorists and traitors”. He said his party has taken the decision to boycott the municipal polls in protest “against the atrocities being carried out by the Centre and the state governments on the ‘Annadata’ (the farmers)". “The manner in which the BJP governments at the Centre and the state are ignoring the farmers is extremely painful and condemnable,” he said.
PTI
Farmers’ protest LATEST Updates
BJP leaders from Punjab meet Rajnath Singh
Amid an ongoing protest by Punjab farmers against three central farm laws, a delegation of BJP leaders from the state on Monday called on senior party leader and Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to deliberate upon the issue. The delegation comprised of Puniab BJP chief Ashwani Sharma and Union Minister Som Prakash along with state party leaders including Surjit Jyani and Harjeet Grewal. The Punjab leaders are believed to have discussed the ongoing agitation of farmers, mostly from Punjab, against the farm laws and also apprised Singh about the ground situation in the state.
PTI
Farmers’ protest LATEST Updates
UP chief of BKU Bhanu begins indefinite fast
A leader of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Bhanu) started an indefinite fast at the Chilla border between Noida and Delhi on Monday amid ongoing farmers’ protests against the Centre’s three agriculture laws, reported news agency PTI. Yogesh Pratap Singh, the Uttar Pradesh unit chief of the BKU-Bhanu, was joined by scores of supporters, including the union’s national president and his father Thakur Bhanu Pratap Singh. The protest is underway and will continue till our demands are not fulfilled by the Centre, BKU-Bhanu’s senior IT cell member Satish Tomar told PTI. He also trashed murmurs of ending the protest after some members left the faction over disagreement on opening the Chilla border two days ago.
Farmers’ protest LATEST Updates
Anna Hazare warns of resuming hunger strike
Social activist Anna Hazare has written 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 MS Swaminathan Commission. Hazare’s other demand include granting autonomy to the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).
“The Centre had assured that it would take appropriate action on the demands on the basis of the committee’s report. Since nothing has been done till date to that effect, I am thinking to resume the hunger strike which was called off on 5 February, 2019,” Hazare wrote in his letter to Tomar. The octogenarian said the Centre would be soon apprised of the date and venue of the fast.
PTI
Farmers’ protest LATEST Updates
Farmer leader reiterates demand for repeal of agri laws
As farmers ended their day-long fast in protest against the Centre’s three new farm laws, BKU Doaba leader Manjeet Singh again called on the government to repeal the laws, saying,“Our message to the government is that due to its policies the ‘annadatas’ had to observe fast today. The government should repeal the three farm laws.”
Our message to the Government is that due to its policies the 'annadatas' had to observe fast today. The government should repeal the three farm laws: Manjeet Singh, BKU State President, Doaba https://t.co/EotcW0vObU pic.twitter.com/Erk0UzE0pC
— ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2020
Farmers’ protest LATEST Updates
Our win in string of polls because of farmers’ support: BJP
Citing its win in the Goa zilla panchayat polls, the BJP asserted that its spate of recent victories in a number of elections across the country would not have been possible without the help of farmers and the poor. While the Opposition has been spreading confusion over the ongoing farmers’ protest, the BJP will dismantle their claim scientifically using poll data, its spokesperson Sambit Patra told a press conference to claim popular support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi over a host of issues, including agri reforms and COVID-19 crisis. The BJP has won 27 of the 48 zilla panchayats in Goa and could pocket up to 31 seats, he said, adding that the Congress was leading in only three while the AAP could not even open its account.
The BJP has won the Bihar Assembly polls, Assembly bypolls across the country and local polls in states like Rajasthan, Assam and Goa, he noted. “The poor, rural regions and farmers form the spine of this country. These results would not have been possible without their support,” he said.
PTI
Farmers’ protest LATEST Updates
Farm laws are ‘anti-farmer’, will lead to immense inflation: Arvind Kejriwal
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal 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”.
“I appeal to parties to stop playing dirty politics over farmers’ issue. These laws are anti-farmer and anti-aam aadmi and are aimed to benefit a few capitalists. These laws will lead to immense inflation through hoarding. These legislations gives license to inflate,” Kejriwal was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.
Farmers’ protest LATEST Updates
Haryana MPs and MLAs’ meet Tomar in Delhi
Lawmakers and legislators of Haryana meet Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Tomar on Monday at Krishi Bhavan, as farmers continue their agitation against the new farm laws.
Delhi: MPs and MLAs of Haryana meet Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar at Krishi Bhavan. pic.twitter.com/Lqo9yjdfCe
— ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2020
Farmers’ protest LATEST Updates
Memorandum signed by the 10 organisations pledging their support to new laws
Ten organisations associated with the All India Kisan Coordination Committee have extended their support on the three contentious laws, reports ANI.
Memorandum submitted by 10 organisations from various states like Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Bihar and Haryana, associated with All India Kisan Coordination Committee, to Union Agriculture Minister, to extend their support the three farm laws pic.twitter.com/0s7pb5bXCz
— ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2020
Farmers’ protest LATEST Updates
Farmers group breaks fast at Singhu border
A group of farmers protesting the new agricultural laws at the Singhu border, breaks their day-long fast, reports ANI.
Delhi: Farmers who were on a day-long hunger strike at Singhu border as part of their protest against Centre's farm laws, break their fast. pic.twitter.com/1N3YXzierN
— ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2020
Farmers’ protest LATEST Updates
BJP to organise meetings of farmers in MP
The BJP will organise meetings of farmers in various divisions of Madhya Pradesh from Tuesday to dispel “misconceptions” being spread about the Centre’s three new farm laws, state Agriculture Minister Kamal Patel said.
“We are going to organise meets of farmers of Bhopal and Ujjain divisions on Tuesday,” Patel told reporters in Ujjain on Monday.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and state BJP chief V D Sharma are going to address these gatherings to dispel the misunderstanding and “misconceptions being spread over the laws by the opposition”, he said.
-PTI
Farmers’ protest LATEST Updates
Haryana Dy CM says next round of talks to be held ‘soon’
Haryana Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala says the next round of discussions will be held soon. “I hope 40 unions who came for talks earlier, will also join the next round of talks as well and come to a conclusion,” he told ANI.
Agriculture Minister & Home Minister are continuously discussing the issue. 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. #FarmLaws pic.twitter.com/Uypncjvpdv
— ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2020
Farmers’ protest LATEST Updates
No need for law on MSP, most farmers support new laws, says Union minister Parshottam Rupala
Union Minister of State for Agriculture Parshottam Rupala on Monday said most farmers in the country are in favour of the Centre’s new farm laws, and there is no need to bring the MSP under purview of law as demanded by the protesting farmers.
The BJP leader also urged the farmers, who are protesting at various Delhi borders since 26 November, to return to the discussion table and find an amicable solution to the deadlock.
“The Minimum Support Price (MSP) is part of the government’s mechanism (to safeguard farmers from fall in agri produce prices) and it will remain in force in future too,” Rupala told reporters at the Gujarat BJP headquarters.
Neither there is a need to bring a separate law for the MSP nor the provision is required to be included in the existing Acts, the minister said.
“The MSP is being implemented by both the Centre and states, and there is no need to bring MSP under the purview of law,” Rupala said, when asked to comment on the demand for it from the protesting farmers.
-PTI
Farmers’ protest LATEST Updates
Engaging with farmers to decide on next date of talks: Narendra Singh Tomar
As farmers intensified their agitation against the Centre’s farm laws and observed a day-long fast on Monday, Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar Monday said that the government is engaging with farmer leaders to decide on the next date of talks.
“The meeting will definitely happen. We are engaging with farmers,” Tomar told PTI. The government is ready for discussion anytime. The farmer leaders have to “decide and convey” when they are ready for the next meeting, he added.
Tomar is leading the negotiations with 40 farmer unions, along with Food Minister Piyush Goyal and Minister of State for Commerce and Industries Som Parkash.
Previous five rounds of talks between the Centre and 40 farmer unions’ leaders have remained inconclusive.
Farmers’ protest LATEST Updates
Reforms must be participatory, says Congress’ Anand Sharma
Senior Congress leader and former union minister Anand Sharma on Monday said reforms need to be backed by national consensus and urged the government to involve chief ministers of states to resolve the current farmers’ agitation against the new agricultural laws. Speaking at the annual FICCI AGM he called upon the government to be more generous in giving out money to all sections affected by the coronavirus pandemic, especially the poor, and provide more stimulus to help revive the economy.
“Today what we are seeing is turbulence and protests on the farm laws. Reforms must be participatory, not arbitrary. There must be consultations. Nothing should be rushed through or done without building a consensus. That results in what we are seeing – agitation, conflict and the loss of trust,” he said. “I personally feel that through dialogue, negotiations and persuasion, everything can be resolved. We have chief ministers of states and they must be involved and let’s get over this crisis too, together as a nation,” the former union minister said.
PTI
Farmers’ protest LATEST Updates
Farmers hold protests at district headquarters in Punjab, Haryana
Farmers raised slogans outside the offices of district commissioners and took out protest marches in Punjab and Haryana on Monday, reported news agency PTI. The Haryana Police closed the Ambala-Patiala highway after protesters gathered at the Shambhu border point with adjoining Punjab. In Punjab, protests were held in several districts including Ludhiana, Patiala, Sangrur, Barnala, Bathinda, Moga, Faridkot, Ferozepur and Tarn Taran. In Haryana, protests were reported from Fatehabad, Jind, Sirsa, Kurukshetra, Gurgaon, Faridabad, Bhiwani, Kaithal and Ambala.
Slogan-shouting protesters pushed at the barricades near the mini-secretariat in Jind, trying to enter the district office complex. In Fatehabad, they took out a tractor procession before some of them sat on a hunger strike at the district secretariat. In Ambala city too, there was slogan shouting outside the DC’s office.
Memorandums were submitted to the Centre through the deputy commissioners at other places in Haryana, demanding the scrapping of the new laws.
Farmers’ protest LATEST Updates
SP workers clash with police amid farmers’ peaceful protest in UP
With farmers observing a day-long hunger strike on Monday amid their largely peaceful protests against the central farm laws, the Samajwadi Party workers held demonstrations backing their demands and clashed with police at various places in Uttar Pradesh.
Following clashes with police, several Samajwadi Party leaders and workers were taken in custody in various districts of Uttar Pradesh.
In Lucknow, the SP workers clashed with police in the Kaisarbagh area on being stopped from proceeding to the district collectorate. Several SP workers, including women, were also taken into custody.
In Agra too, television footage showed police using mild force to disperse protesting Samajwadi Party workers.
-PTI
UP के सभी जिलों में पूर्व घोषित कार्यक्रम के तहत किसानों के समर्थन में शांतिपूर्ण प्रदर्शन, ज्ञापन देने जा रहे सपाइयों पर लाठीचार्ज, गिरफ्तारी लोकतंत्र की हत्या। चाहे जितना दमन, अत्याचार कर लें तानाशाह CM, अन्नदाता से अन्याय पर सड़क से लेकर सदन तक जारी रहेगा समाजवादियों का संघर्ष https://t.co/KurHkqUoRT
— Samajwadi Party (@samajwadiparty) December 14, 2020
Farmers’ protest LATEST Updates
Those calling protesting farmers anti-nationals should go to Pakistan: Raghav Chadha
AAP leader and spokesperson Raghav Chadha Monday said whoever is calling the farmers protesting against the new agriculture-marketing laws as “anti-nationals” are themselves against the country, and they should go to Pakistan, reports PTI.
The AAP MLA said there are some people referring to the agitating farmers, who are the country’s food-providers, as “anti-nationals”. “I want to tell those people calling the farmers as anti-national that you are the ones who are anti-nationals and you should go to Pakistan. They have no place in India,” Chadha said.
Reacting to Chadha’s comments, Delhi BJP spokesperson Virender Babbar said everybody supports farmers, including the BJP.
“Chadha should tell what would you call those who talk about killing the prime minister and demand the release of people arrested under sedition charge,” Babbar said.
Farmers’ protest LATEST Updates
10 farm bodies meet with Tomar to extend support for farm laws
Ten organisations from states such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana and Haryana, associated with the All India Kisan Coordination Committee, are meeting Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar to extend their support on three farm laws, as per news agency ANI.
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 3 Farm Bills. pic.twitter.com/FMnzpoO2c1
— ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2020
Farmers’ protest LATEST Updates
99% of farmers with Modi govt, says BJP leader
Amid a protest by farmers against the Centre’s three new farm laws, BJP general secretary Arun Singh on Monday claimed that more than 99 percent of farmers in the country are with the Modi government. He alleged that Congress fuelled the ongoing farmers’ agitation, reports PTI.
On the BJP ally Rashtriya Loktantrik Party supporting the farmers’ agitation and threatening to sever ties with the NDA, Singh said his party leaders will persuade its chief Hanuman Beniwal when he talks to them.
Beniwal has said that he will have to reconsider his support to the central government if the farm laws are not withdrawn in the interest of farmers.
The BJP leader said, “More than 99 percent of farmers in the country are with the Modi government and if there is confusion among the rest, we will sit and the confusion will be removed.”
Farmers’ protest LATEST Updates
AAP leaders on hunger strike in solidarity with farmers
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Ministers and MLAs on Monday held a ‘hunger strike’ in support of farmers who are protesting against the farm laws. Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, ministers Satyendar Jain, Gopal Rai and party leader Aatishi Marlena were among those present.
Our Farmers are observing a one-day fast today. 🌾🚜
— India Wants Kejriwal (@iwkofficial) December 14, 2020
AAP leaders & volunteers across the nation have joined the fast to support our Farmers, on the call of CM @ArvindKejriwal#IndiaFasts4Farmers pic.twitter.com/IU53c8l3Cb
Farmers’ protest LATEST Updates
BJP, RSS to launch nationwide farmer outreach to allay fears on new farm laws
The farmer wings of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamasevak Sangh (RSS) are planning an aggressive outreach programme through press conferences and ‘chaupals’ or open meetings across districts of the country to allay fears on the contentious farm laws. As many as 700 press conferences and 700 open meetings will be organised in the coming days. “BJP to organise press conferences and ‘chaupals’ (open meetings) 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,” news agency ANI reported.
Farmers’ protest LATEST Updates
Kejriwal accuses Punjab CM of trading off farmers protest
Delhi Arvind Kejriwal accused Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh of trading off farmers’ protest to save his son from an ED case. In a tweet, he said: “Captain ji, I have been standing with the farmers from the very begining. Did not let Delhi’s Stadiums to be used as jail for the farmers, fought with the Centre… You did a setting with the Centre to get your son freed from the ED case, sold the farmers’ movement? Why?”
कैप्टन जी, मैं शुरू से किसानों के साथ खड़ा हूँ। दिल्ली के स्टेडीयम जेल नहीं बनने दी, केंद्र से लड़ा। मैं किसानों का सेवादार बनके उनकी सेवा कर रहा हूँ
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) December 14, 2020
आपने तो अपने बेटे के ED केस माफ़ करवाने के लिए केंद्र से सेटिंग कर ली, किसानों का आंदोलन बेच दिया? क्यों? https://t.co/J3VzLgCI3M
Farmers’ protest LATEST Updates
Farmers block national highway near the Ghazipur border
Delhi: Farmers protesting at Ghazipur (Delhi-UP) border blocked National Highway-24 earlier today.
— ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2020
“We won’t let it happen again, normal people won’t suffer. We wanted them to realise for once that how even few minutes are important,” says Rakesh Tikait of Bhartiya Kisan Union pic.twitter.com/wVk15yXzA0
Farmers’ protest LATEST Updates
Government open to discussion and dialogue, says Rajnath Singh
Speaking at FICCI’s 93rd annual general meeting, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said that 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,” he said.
“There is no question of taking retrograde steps against our agricultural sector ever. The recent reforms have been undertaken with the best interests of India’s farmers in mind. 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,” the defense minister said.
Farmers’ protest LATEST Updates
Narendra Singh Tomar says ‘anti-Modi’ elements part of protest: Report
Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar says “anti-Modi” elements and not the farmers are participating in the protests, reports Hindustan Times.
“The government has successfully initiated dialogue but the farmers’ union have not been able to reach at a unanimous decision,” he says. “Those who believe in the Left ideology are influencing these protests. Attempts are being made to release traitors.”
Tomar adds: “This is condemnable and these elements are stopping the movement from arriving at a verdict. And these elements are not farmers, but those who are against Modi [Prime Minister Narendra Modi].”
Farmers’ protest LATEST Updates
Sitting together leads to a solution: Union minister Kailash Choudhary
Union Minister of State for Agriculture Kailash Choudhary appeals to farmers to sit with the government and resolve concerns related to the farm bills, reports ANI. “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’,” he said. “Sitting together leads to a solution.”
I appeal to farmers to sit with the govt & 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 pic.twitter.com/YLmW19c25P
— ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2020
Farmers’ protest LATEST Updates
Union Agriculture Minister reaches Amit Shah’s residence
Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar has reached Home Minister Amit Shah’s residence in Delhi amid a nine-hour hunger strike by protesting farmer leaders, as per ANI.
Delhi: Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar reaches Home Minister Amit Shah's residence. pic.twitter.com/CuSj7i09gr
— ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2020
Farmers’ protest LATEST Updates
Fast in support of protesting farmers, appeals Kejriwal
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday appealed to people to fast wherever they are in support of protesting farmers, and asserted that farmers will win in the end. Kejriwal is holding a one-day fast in support of the farmers’ protest on Monday.
The chief minister also urged his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) volunteers, supporters, as well as the people of the country to join the farmers’ agitation.
“Fasting is sacred. Wherever you are, fast for our farmer brothers. Pray to God for the success of their struggle. In the end, farmers will definitely win,” Kejriwal tweeted.
Delhi’s Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said he is observing the fast at the party office with other party members.
“The Anndaata farmer of the country is on hunger strike demanding the withdrawal of the three laws of the central government for the sake of saving his daily bread. In support of the demand of farmers, today I am also on a fast with all my colleagues in the Aam Aadmi Party office,” Sisodia tweeted.
Apart from Sisodia, AAP ministers and MLAs including Gopal Rai, Satyendar Jain, Atishi and Raghav Chadha also observed fast at the party office here in support of farmers.
-PTI
उपवास पवित्र होता है। आप जहां हैं, वहीं हमारे किसान भाइयों के लिए उपवास कीजिए। प्रभु से उनके संघर्ष की सफलता की प्रार्थना कीजिए। अंत में किसानों की अवश्य जीत होगी।
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) December 14, 2020
वाह प्रकाश जावड़ेकर @PrakashJavdekar जी! आप काले क़ानून बनाकर किसानों की खेती बर्बाद करें, प्रदर्शनकारी किसानों को जेल में डालने की साज़िश करें तो आप हितैषी.@ArvindKejriwal जी किसानों को जेल में डालने की आपकी साज़िश नाकाम करें, उनकी सेवा करें, समर्थन में उपवास करें तो पाखंडी!
— Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) December 14, 2020
Farmers’ protest LATEST Updates
‘Nothing but hypocrisy’: Prakash Javadekar hits out at Kejriwal over his fast
Union Minister Prakash Javadekar called Arvind Kejriwal a hypocrite after the Delhi Chief Minister announced he will observe a fast along with farmers’ leaders today. Javadekar reminded him that the Delhi government had notified one of the farm laws in November.
“Arvind Kejriwal, this is your hypocrisy. You promised amendment to APMC Act in Punjab assembly elections. You notified one farm law in Delhi in November 2020 and you are on fast today. Nothing but hypocrisy,” he said.
.@ArvindKejriwal this is your hypocrisy. You promised amendment to APMC Act in Punjab assembly elections. You notified one farm law in Delhi in November 2020 and you are on fast today. Nothing but hypocrisy.@AamAadmiParty @BJP4India
— Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) December 14, 2020
Delhi Police close several borders
Delhi Police announced that the Gazipur border has been closed for traffic coming from Ghaziabad to Delhi due to farmers’ protests which entered the 19th day. Moreover, people are advised to take an alternate route for coming to Delhi.
“Traffic Alert: Gazipur 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 and Bhopra borders,” Delhi Police wrote on Twitter.
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**Read more here**Delhi borders have to be cleared by 16 December, says Hindutva leader
A video by Hindutva ideologue Ragini Tiwari, who became infamous during the Delhi riots in February, went viral over the weekend.
In the video, Ragini Tiwari, who is also known as Janaki Behen, warned that the farmers’ protests blocking Delhi’s borders would have to be cleared by 16 December. “Farmers’ protests participants are demanding release of traitors like Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam. They are supporting traitors, we will not close our eyes to such conspiracy,” she said.
“The Chhatt Puja was stopped citing coronavirus, but is not coronavirus present during farmers’ protests? If government does not clear farmers’ protests by [December] 16, then on 17, Jaffrabad will happen again. Ragini Tiwari will again clear the road and end the protest,” she declared.
Sit-in protest continues in Shahjahanpur
Security personnel remained deployed at Rajasthan’s Shahjahanpur near Jaisinghpur-Khera border, where a sit-in protest by farmers continued for the second day.
Rajasthan: Sit-in protest at Shahjahanpur near Jaisinghpur-Khera border (Rajasthan-Haryana) continues for the second day today; security personnel remain deployed#FarmLaws pic.twitter.com/aU4WixG4FD
— ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2020
Government misleading farmers on MSP: BKU (Haryana) chief
Gurnam Singh Chaduni, president of the Bharatiya Kisan Union’s Haryana chapter, said that the Centre is misleading everyone on MSP.
“Home Minister Amit Shah replied to us during 8 December meeting that they can’t buy all 23 crops at MSP as its costs Rs 17 lakhs crores. 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,” he told ANI.
BKU Ekta Ugrahan leader says they won’t observe fast
Leaders of the Bhartiya Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan), who had organised an event to demand the release of jailed activists last week, have decided to distance themselves from the one-day hunger strike call given by 32 farmer unions from Punjab.
Sukhdev Singh, Punjab general secretary of BKU Ekta Ugrahan, said that Ugrahan leaders will not observe fast. “We will not participate (in one-day hunger strike),” Sukhdev told PTI.
Kejriwal accuses Amarinder Singh of “selling” farmers’ movement
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal accused Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh of trading off farmers’ protest to save his son from an ED case. Taking to Twitter, he said: “Captain ji, I have been standing with the farmers from the very begining. Did not let Delhi’s Stadium to be used as jail for the farmers, fought with the Centre… You did a setting with the Centre to get your son freed from the ED case, sold the farmers’ movement? Why?”
उपवास पवित्र होता है। आप जहां हैं, वहीं हमारे किसान भाइयों के लिए उपवास कीजिए। प्रभु से उनके संघर्ष की सफलता की प्रार्थना कीजिए। अंत में किसानों की अवश्य जीत होगी।
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) December 14, 2020
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