Bharat Bandh Updates: Centre not ready to repeal farm laws, say farmer leaders after meeting with Amit Shah, reports PTI | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
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Bharat Bandh Updates: Centre not ready to repeal farm laws, say farmer leaders after meeting with Amit Shah, reports PTI

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | Byhindustantimes.com
Dec 08, 2020 11:55 PM IST

Bharat Bandh Updates: A day before the sixth round of talks between farmers’ representatives and the government, Union home minister Amit Shah on Tuesday invited the leaders of farmers’ union for talks.

Thousands of farmers are protesting against Centre’s new farm laws in and around Delhi with a nationwide strike or Bharat Bandh held on Tuesday from 11am to 3pm. A day before the sixth round of talks between farmers’ representatives and the government, Union home minister Amit Shah on Tuesday invited the leaders of farmers’ union for talks. The meet which began after 8 pm was held at the office of Indian Council of Agricultural Research. As many as 13 farmer leaders were invited for talks with Shah which ended post 11pm. The farmer leaders said that Centre was not ready to repeal the farm laws

A farmer reacts at Delhi - UP border in protest against new farm laws, in Ghaziabad, India, on Tuesday, December 8, 2020.(Photo: Sakib Ali /Hindustan Times)
A farmer reacts at Delhi - UP border in protest against new farm laws, in Ghaziabad, India, on Tuesday, December 8, 2020.(Photo: Sakib Ali /Hindustan Times)

Farmers have been protesting the three contentious farm laws - Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020, the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020, and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020 - enacted by the Centre during the monsoon session of Parliament.

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The next round of talks between the government and the protesting farmers is scheduled to take place on Wednesday.

Follow live updates here:

Govt not ready to repeal farm laws, say farmer leaders after meet with Amit Shah

The meeting between Union home minister Amit Shah and farmer leaders finally ended with farmer leaders saying that the Centre was not ready to repeal the farm laws. CPI(M) Polit Bureau member Hannan Mollah post the meeting said the home minister told the government would give in writing about the amendments it is willing to make, reports PTI.

Plea in Supreme Court to allow farmers to protest at designated place

A PIL seeking to allow farmers, who are protesting at several border points of the national capital against the new farm laws, to protest at the designated place by following Covid-19 guidelines has been filed in the Supreme Court. The plea filed by Delhi-based lawyer Reepak Kansal has sought framing guidelines to balance citizens right to protest with right to free access and movement, according to PTI.

‘Excellent at drama’, says Meenakshi Lekhi on Kejriwal’s house arrest claim

Responding to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)’s claims regarding Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s house arrest, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Meenakshi Lekhi on Tuesday said that “everyone knows he is excellent at doing drama”. “It is not house arrest but rest in the house. We have video footage of last night in which he can be seen, we do not know what did he eat at some marriage function that he is at his house. Everyone knows he is excellent at doing drama, I doubt if his degree is from the Indian Institue of Technology (IIT) or the National School of Drama (NSD),” Lekhi, Lok Sabha MP from New Delhi constituency told ANI.

Amit Shah meets farmer leaders ahead of crucial talks on farm laws

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. According to a report in PTI quoting sources, 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.

5-member Oppn delegation to meet President tomorrow on farm laws

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. CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury said that the five-member delegation - Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, a representative of the DMK, CPI general secretary D Raja and he - will meet the President tomorrow at 5 pm on behalf of the Opposition parties.

Taking to our people on location for meeting with Shah, says Rakesh Tikait

We are talking to our people on where the meeting is to be held: Rakesh Tikait, Spokesperson, Bhartiya Kisan Union on being asked about the meeting with Union home minister Amit Shah.

‘Tomar assures MSP to Haryana farmers’, says Khattar after meeting minister

“For our government, the interest of Haryana’s Annadata has always been important and will always be. Regarding farmers’ issues today I met Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar. He has assured over Minimum Support Price and said “MSP pr kbhi aach nhi aayege,” Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar tweeted after meeting Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Tuesday in New Delhi.

Wanted to go to the border not as CM but as a common man, says Kejriwal

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.

“If I was not stopped, I would have gone and supported the protesting farmers in their Bharat Bandh movement. I am glad that Bharat Bandh was a success. I prayed for the protesting farmers while sitting inside,” he added.

Punjabi singer Jass Bajwa joins farmers’ protest

Punjabi singer Jass Bajwa joins farmers’ protest against Centre’s farm laws, at Ghazipur border (Delhi-UP border)

“The Government should agree to the demands of the farmers,” Jass Bajwa said.

We should be allowed to hold protest at Ramlila Ground, says Punjab Kisan Union

We do not want to cause any inconvenience to anyone from Delhi or Haryana, we should be allowed to hold protest at Ramlila Ground: RS Mansa, Punjab Kisan Union at Singhu (Haryana-Delhi border)

Delhi deputy CM Sisodia holds sit-in protest outside Kejriwal’s house

Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia holds sit-in protest outside chief minister’s residence alleging Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal is under house arrest.

 

Protests held in parts of Nagpur city, rural areas

Protests were held in several parts of Maharashtra’s Nagpur city and rural areas on Tuesday in support of the Bharat Bandh called by farmers demanding repeal of the Centre’s agriculture laws.

The bandh, however, received a mixed response from traders who supported farmers but did not shut their establishments.

Farmers today are much better informed, says Congress leader Kamal Nath

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: Congress leader Kamal Nath said, as quoted by news agency ANI.

BKU’s Tikait says farmer leaders to meet Amit Shah at 7 pm

Rakesh Tikait, spokesperson of (Bhartiya Kisan Union) BKU Tikait faction UP, said that farmer leaders are going to meet Amit Shah. Meeting to take place at 7 pm today.

There will be a press conference at Singhu border, says Rakesh Tikait. He also urged farmers to clear the blocked carriageways going towards Ghaziabad from Delhi

Shiv Sena never supported farm laws, says Sanjay Raut

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. Raut suggested that Prime Minister Narendra Modi or Union Home Minister Amit Shah can hold talks with cultivators who are observing the Bharat Bandh against farm laws.

Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar and Union agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar hold a meeting

Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Union agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar hold a meeting at the latter’s residence.

Group of farmers block a carriageway of NH-44 near Singhu border

A group of young farmers have blocked one carriageway of NH-44 outside a Gurdwara, a few kilometers before Singhu border.

Centre should call a Parliamentary session and discuss these reforms: Bhupinder Singh Hooda

Former Haryana chief minister and Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda said, “I agree that some reforms are needed. But these Acts which have been passed, have no reflection of these reforms. They should call a Parliamentary session and discuss these exact reforms.”

Manohar Lal Khattar arrives at Narendra Singh Tomar’s residence

Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar arrives at the residence of Union agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar to meet him.

Farmers’ associations demonstrate march on the streets of Puducherry

Farmers’ associations demonstrate march on the streets of Puducherry, in support of Bharat Bandh called by farmer unions against the Central Government’s farm laws.

Puducherry chief minister V Narayanasamy was also present.

Shopkeepers in Delhi’s Sarojini Nagar market tie black ribbons around their arms to show solidarity with farmers’ protests

Delhi shopkeepers in Sarojini Nagar market tie black ribbons around their arms to show solidarity with farmers’ protests, on Bharat Bandh.

“We are doing this to show our support for the farmers’ cause. Why can’t the government grant a simple demand of the MSP,” says one shopkeeper.

BJP is perplexed by farmers and Arvind Kejriwal: Manish Sisodia

Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia said the BJP is perplexed by the farmers and chief minister Arvind Kejriwal.

“They are perplexed after he went to meet the farmers at Singhu border. He has been put under house arrest ever since he returned, his house has been barricaded. Entry/exit of people not being allowed. BJP is scared that the CM will take to the streets in favour of Bharat Bandh and speak for farmers. They don’t say anything to Captain Amarinder because the two are colluding to call the farmers anti-nationals,” Sisodia said.

DMRC closes Pandit Shree Ram Sharma station on Green line

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has closed Pandit Shree Ram Sharma station on Green line (Inderlok to Mundka) for security reason. DMRC officials said that trains will not stop at this station. The station is located near Tikri border. “Entry and exit gates of Pandit Shree Ram Sharma station on Green Line are closed,” DMRC tweeted.

Will present oppn parties’ collective stand before President tomorrow, says Sharad Pawar

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar said five to six people from different political parties are on Wednesday going to sit, discuss and take a collective stand. We have a 5pm appointment with the President and will present our collective stand before him.

Activists, leaders of Bharatiya Kisan Union and others blocked Delhi- Pauri Highway

Activists and leaders of BKU, BKU( Tomar), Bhartiya Kisan Sabha, Kisan Vichar Manch and Bhartiya Kisan Andoland have blocked Delhi- Pauri Highway at Mawana Khurd in Meerut district.

Arvind Kejriwal had shown his support for the farm bills when he notified a gazette: Smriti Irani

Arvind Kejriwal had shown his support for the farm bills when he notified a gazette. Gazette is notified when the government accepts a bill administratively and politically. So he has given his acceptance to this bill already, says Union Minister and BJP Leader Smriti Irani.

Shops in Maharashtra seen open amidst Bharat Bandh

Shops in Maharashtra seen open. There is regular traffic movement in Matunga area of Mumbai amidst Bharat Bandh.

TRS leaders protest in support of Bharat Bandh

Telangana Rastriya Samiti leaders K Kavitha, KT Rama Rao and others, along with party workers, protest in Ranga Reddy in support of Bharat Bandh called by farmer unions against Centre’s farm laws.

If government can make law they can repeal it as well: Farmer leader

Farmers’ associations demonstrate at Ghazipur-Ghaziabad (Delhi-UP) border as part of Bharat Bandh call.

“If government can make law they can repeal it as well. They must work with farmer associations and experts. We will leave only after we get it in writing,” says a farmer leader.

Police take positions along barricades at Singhu border

The police have taken positions along the barricades and at several other points at the Singhu Border amidst the ongoing Bharat Bandh. They have set up new restrictions using ropes to prevent people from taking one of the two walkable routes along the borderline.

The stage at Singhu Border saw a much larger gathering than earlier days, and farmers said that there has been an influx of new farmers since Monday night.

“About 200 trucks laden with farmers are set to arrive at Singhu Border by today afternoon. Many have already reached, hence the increase in the rush,” said anavjeet Singh, a farmer from Balauli village of Ropar district.

Punjab farmers protesting farm laws in Mohali, block Chandigarh highway

Punjab farmers protesting the farm laws in Mohali, block Chandigarh highway, on Bharat Bandh.

Farm laws brought by Centre will finish farmers of the country: Mumbai Dabbawala Association

The farm laws brought by the Centre will finish the farmers of the country. Farmers have started a massive agitation in north India and Bharat Bandh was announced for today. Mumbai Dabbawala Association supports the Bandh, says Subhash Talekar, president, Mumbai Dabbawala Association

Claim of Arvind Kejriwal being put on house arrest is incorrect, says Delhi Police

This statement is absolutely incorrect. As being the CM of Delhi, he can move around wherever he wants, says Anto Alphonse, DCP North, Delhi.

Opposition who is asking to roll back these laws is hypocritical : Prakash Javadekar

The opposition who is asking to roll back these laws is hypocritical as they had passed the contract farming act while in power. Congress has mentioned the introduction of these laws in their manifesto, says Union Minister Prakash Javadekar

Assam Police detain a few people who were protesting

Assam Police detain a few people who were protesting in front of Janata Bhawan in Guwahati today, in support of Bharat Bandh called by farmer unions.

BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi will join the mayors and other councilors outside Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s residence

BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi will join the mayors and other councilors outside Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s residence. West Delhi MP Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma is outside the CM’s residence.

Arvind Kejriwal has not been put under house arrest: Anto Alphonse, Deputy Commissioner of Police North, 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

No one is allowed to go inside Arvind Kejriwal’s residence: Saurabh Bharadwaj

No one is allowed to go inside. He (Kejriwal) is not allowed to come out. MLAs, who had a meeting with the chief minister yesterday, were beaten up by Police when they went to meet him. Workers were not allowed to meet him either. BJP leaders are being made to sit outside his residence, says Saurabh Bharadwaj.

Delhi Police barricaded Kejriwal’s residence, putting him in house arrest like situation: Saurabh Bharadwaj

The chief minister met farmers at Singhu border yesterday. He had said that we will serve them like ‘Sevadars’ and support them. After he returned, Delhi Police barricaded his residence from all sides, putting him in a house-arrest like situation, at the behest of Home Ministry, says AAP’s Saurabh Bharadwaj.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal put under house arrest after his visit to farmers, tweets AAP

Delhi Police has put chief minister Arvind Kejriwal under house arrest ever since he visited farmers at Singhu Border yesterday, tweets Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

Protestors in Jharkhand raise slogans and go on a march in Ranchi

Protestors in Jharkhand raise slogans and go on a march in Ranchi on account of Bharat Bandh, against the new farm laws.

CITU took out a portest march in Asansol

Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) took out a protest march in Asansol today, in support of the Bharat Bandh called by farmer unions against Central Government’s farm laws.

Left parties in West Bengal raise slogans against farm laws

Left parties in West Bengal raise slogans against farm laws and burn effigies in Jadavpur area of Kolkata

“In West Bengal there is complete bandh in support of the peasant’s demand. We imagine similar situations prevailing across India as well,” says Sujan Chakraborty, CPI(M) leader.

If govt has a heart, it will talk to farmers: Sanjay Raut

If the government has a heart, be it the Home Minister or the Prime Minister, they themselves will go and talk to them (farmers), says Shiv Sena’s Sanjay Raut.

RJD workers show support for Bharat Bandh

Workers of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) workers burn a tyre at Ganj Chowk in Darbhanga in protest against the central government and show their support to Bharat Bandh called by farmers’ unions.

Karnataka Congress leaders protest in support of Bharat Bandh

Karnataka Congress leaders Siddaramaiah, BK Hariprasad, Ramalinga Reddy and others protest in support of Bharat Bandh called by farmers’ unions. They raise slogans against the Centre and show black flags in front of Gandhi statue at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru.

Appeal to all to maintain peace in Bharat Bandh: Rachakonda Police, Telangana

It is appealed to all to maintain peace in Bharat Bandh. Action will be taken against those who indulge in any forcible closure or stoppages, say Rachakonda Police, Telangana

Officers are ensuring that no one imposes Bandh forcibly: Additional Commissioner of Police, Gautam Buddh Nagar

Officers are taking rounds in their respective areas and ensuring that no one imposes Bandh forcibly. Everyone has been instructed to ensure security of railway stations, bus stands, metro stations and autos. We will strictly deal with anyone who takes law in their hands: Additional CP.

Ensuring public don’t face inconvenience : Additional Commissioner of Police, Gautam Buddh Nagar

We are ensuring that public don’t face inconvenience and there’s no traffic disruption. Adequate security deployed at all important entry/exit points to/from the district. We also deployed PAC (Provincial Armed Constabulary) force, says Love Kumar, Additional Commissioner of Police, Gautam Buddh Nagar.

Slogans against the new farm laws raised by Left organisations in Karnataka’s Kalaburagi

Slogans against the new farm laws raised by Left organisations in Karnataka’s Kalaburagi, on account of Bharat Bandh

Telangana Road Transport Corporation workers in Kamareddy extend their support to Bharat Bandh

Telangana Road Transport Corporation workers in Kamareddy extend their support to Bharat Bandh by farmer unions.

A bus driver says, “CM raised his voice against Farm laws. Going with him, we the workers of RTC are protesting here. Farmers should not be subjected to injustice.”

Left political parties protest in Andhra Pradesh in support of Bharat Bandh

Left political parties protest in Parvathipuram of Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh, in support of the Bharat Bandh called by farmers unions, against Central Government’s farm laws.

Pune APMC market remains open on ‘Bharat Bandh’

“We support farmers’ agitation. But we’ve kept the market open today so farm produces coming in from other states can be stored or else they will rot. It will be sold tomorrow only,” says a local trader, Sachin Paygude

Delhi Traffic Police lists borders to Haryana that are open

Available open borders to Haryana are - Daurala, Kapashera, Rajokri NH 8, Bijwasan/Bajghera, Palam Vihar and Dundahera borders. Tikri, Jharoda borders, Dhansa are closed for any traffic movement. Badusarai border is open only for light motor vehicles like cars and two-wheelers. Jhatikara border is open only for two-wheeler traffic, says Delhi Traffic Police.

Farmers try to close liquor shop near Hall gate Golden temple during Bharat Bandh protest in Amritsar

Farmers tried to close liquor shop near Hall gate Golden temple during Bharat Bandh protest against the farm laws in Amritsar

Bharat Bandh: Banks to remain open

Bank unions have said they stand in solidarity with the farmers but will not participate in the bandh.

Our protest will be completely peaceful: Bharatiya Kisan Union spokesperson

Our protest will be completely peaceful. If someone gets stuck for 2-3 hours in a Bandh called by us, we provide them with water and fruits. Ours is a different concept: Rakesh Tikait, Spokesperson, Bharatiya Kisan Union

Farmers staying at Burari’s Nirankari Samagam Ground gathered for prayers this morning

Farmers staying at Burari’s Nirankari Samagam Ground gathered for prayers this morning. The protest at the Ground entered 13th day today.

Left political parties, trade unions and farmer unions in Odisha stop trains at Bhubaneswar Railway Station

Left political parties, trade unions and farmer unions in Odisha stop trains at Bhubaneswar Railway Station.

Swabhimani Shetkari Saghtana staged ‘Bharat Bandh Rail Roko’ protest and briefly stopped a train today

Swabhimani Shetkari Saghtana staged ‘Bharat Bandh Rail Roko’ protest and briefly stopped a train today in Malkapur of Buldhana district. They were later removed from the tracks by police and detained.

All examinations scheduled on December 8 under Osmania University jurisdiction postponed: Controller of Exams, Osmania University

All examinations scheduled on December 8 under Osmania University jurisdiction have been postponed due to Bharat Bandh. The revised schedule will be given in due course of time. Examinations scheduled from December 9 will be held as per schedule: Controller of Exams, Osmania University

Sonia Gandhi to not celebrate her birthday in view of farmers’ protest

Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi will not celebrate her birthday on December 9, in view of the ongoing farmer’s agitation against agriculture bills and Covid-19 situation across the country.

Will take strict legal action against disruptors: Delhi Police

The Delhi Police have said they will take strict legal action against those who would try to disrupt the movement of traffic or people or forcefully close shops during the Bharat Bandh.

There will be complete ‘Bharat Bandh’ till 3 pm: Farmer leader Balbir Singh Rajewal

There will be complete ‘Bharat bandh’ till 3 pm on Tuesday, but emergency services will be allowed, farmer leader Balbir Singh Rajewal told reporters.

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