Farmers Protest in Delhi Today: Farmers have been holding peaceful protests at Delhi borders.
The farmers have called for a "peaceful" nationwide shutdown on Tuesday, a day ahead of the sixth round of talks with the government for repeal of contentious farm laws. Amid growing support from unions and Opposition parties for tomorrow's "Bharat Bandh" call, some services could get affected in Delhi - now the epicentre of farmers' protests - and the rest of the country.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal visited the Singhu border today, where thousands of farmers are protesting against the Centre's new farm laws, and checked arrangements made for them by the city government. The Aam Aadmi leader is the first chief minister of a state to visit a protest venue.
Agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar today said that the three farm laws are aimed at providing better price to farmers for their produce and it would bring prosperity and employment to the villages that have evaded poor farmers even after 70 years of independence.
The Delhi Traffic Police has issued an advisory for commuters as multiple borders between Delhi and neighbouring states remained closed for traffic.
Peaceful protests are underway at both the Singhu and Tikri borders, where farmers had gathered from Punjab and Haryana for more than 10 days. The numbers of farmers at the Ghazipur border swelled, with more joining them from Uttar Pradesh.
The new laws, aimed at doing away with middlemen and allowing farmers to sell their produce anywhere in the country, have deeply upset the farmers. The farmers say it will only result in phasing out of the traditional mandis and the guaranteed minimum price paid by the government, leaving them at the mercy of the corporates.
Here are the live updates on farmers' protests:
Kerala government to move Supreme Court against farm laws: MinisterThe Kerala government will not implement the contentious farm laws and will move the Supreme Court against them this week itself, Agriculture Minister VS Sunilkumar said.
"We will not implement the farm laws. The state government is readyto face any action to be taken by the central government. We will move the Supreme Court against these laws this week itself," he said.
Farmers' protests updates: Farm laws will ensure better price to farmers, says Agriculture ministerA day ahead of "Bharat Bandh", Agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar has said that the three farm laws are aimed at providing better price to farmers for their produce and it would bring prosperity and employment to the villages that have evaded poor farmers even after 70 years of independence.
The Union minister was interacting with farmer unions mainly from Haryana and explained to them how private investment will open up for agriculture due to these laws which will benefit farmers.
The minister met a delegation of 20 farmers who had come to urge him to not repeal the laws but make certain amendments.
Farmers' Protest Live: Telangana Chief Minister asks officials to release Rs 7,300 crore for farmersA day before the "Bharat Bandh" call given by farmers' outfits, supported by opposition parties against the new farm laws brought in by the NDA government, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao instructed officials to release Rs 7,300 crore as financial assistance under Rythu Bandhu scheme.
The financial assistance will be given from December 27 to January 7, an official release said.
In Letter To PM On Farmers, Parkash Badal Cites EmergencyFormer BJP ally and NDA founder-member Parkash Singh Badal has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi a day ahead of the all-India strike in support of protesting farmers, and advised him stay away from confrontation.
In a letter to PM Modi, Mr Badal had cited the days of Emergency and "dictatorship" and sought his personal intervention to resolve the stalemate. An amicable solution should be achieved through consensus with all the stakeholders, including the farmers and the states, he wrote.
Farmers' Protests: Parties backing bandh just to oppose PM Modi-led government, says Devendra FadnavisBJP leader Devendra Fadnavis targeted the Congress, NCP and other parties which have backed tomorrow's Bharat Bandh call given by farmers' bodies over the Centre's new farm laws, saying they are backing the agitation only for the sake of opposing the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government.
Mr Fadnavis claimed these parties had earlier backed provisions similar to ones in the Centre's farm laws and charged them with being two-faced by opposing the Acts now.
Himachal Chief Minister denounces call of 'Bharat Bandh' tomorrow Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur has strongly denounced the call of opposition parties for 'Bharat Bandh' tomorrow to support the farmers' movement.
The Chief Minister said that this was not a farmers' movement but a political agitation of opposition parties with a sole objective to tarnish the image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and NDA Government.
Farm laws not anti-farmer, says Madhya Pradesh Chief MinisterMadhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the three farm laws enacted by the NDA government at the Centre were not anti-farmer, but reflective of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts to ensure the welfare of the ryots.
Hailing PM Modi's handling of the coronavirus pandemic by implementing a lockdown, he said even US President Donald Trump could not manage the situation and lost the polls.
Farmers' Protest Updates: Rahul Gandhi demands revocation of farm lawsAs the farmers' protests intensified, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi demanded revocation of the new farm laws passed by parliament.
Mr Gandhi termed the newly passed farm laws as the "Adani-Ambani Farm Laws." He said he would not accept anything less than repealing the laws.
He said in a Tweet in Hindi: "The Adani-Ambani farm laws have to be revoked. Nothing less is acceptable."
Elaborate security arrangements in place for Bharat Bandh: Delhi PoliceThe Delhi Police said elaborate security arrangements have been made in view of the "Bharat Bandh" called on December 8 by farmers protesting against the Centre's new farm laws, and warned that strict action will be taken against those trying to disrupt movement of people or "forcefully" shut shops.
The farmers have called Bharat bandh on December 8 and threatened to intensify their agitation and block more roads leading to the national capital if the government did not accept their demands.
Farmers Protest Live: Some political parties trying to spoil atmosphere, says Yogi Adityanath
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath says some political parties are trying to spoil atmosphere, the current stand taken by some parties on Agricultural produce market committee (APMC) act shows their double standards.
Support "Bharat bandh" to wake the Centre up: Maharashtra minister Ashok ChavanEveryone should participate in Tuesday's "Bharat bandh" to support farmers who have been agitating over the past fortnight in bitter cold in Delhi against the Centre's new farm laws, Maharashtra minister and senior Congress leader Ashok Chavan said.
In a video message, Mr Chavan said the Centre was unwilling to listen to the demand of the protesting farmers that these three new laws be scrapped.
"The Bharat bandh called on Tuesday is very important. Everyone should support this bandh to show the intensity of the agitation and awaken the Central government," he added.
Farmers Protest Latest News: People should back ''Bharat Bandh'' in support of farmers, says Shiv SenaShiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut on Monday said farmers' call for a ''Bharat Bandh'' on Tuesday is apolitical and people of the country should willingly take part in it to express support to cultivators.
Talking to reporters, Mr Raut also reiterated the Shiv Sena's support to the bandh.
Apart from the Shiv Sena, the NCP and Congress -- two other constituents of the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in Maharashtra -- have declared support to the bandh.
Various parties, including many regional outfits, have come out in support of the ''Bharat Bandh'' on December 8 called by farmer unions which have been protesting on Delhi's borders for over 10 days, demanding the repeal of the Centre's new agri-marketing laws.
Farmers Protest Live: Karnataka Congress President DK Shivakumar on farmers' protest.
"We would like to extend our support to the farmers who are great support to the economy. Entire country would like to support them. We would like to thank leaders from various parts of the world who've expressed solidarity with our farmers," said Karnataka Congress President DK Shivakumar on farmers' protest.
Farmers Protest Live: Bharat Bandh From 11 AM-3 PM, Peaceful Protest, Say FarmersWith growing support from trade unions and Opposition parties for tomorrow's "Bharat Bandh" call, some services could get affected in Delhi - now the epicentre of farmers' protests - and the rest of the country.
The call for a "peaceful" nationwide shutdown on December 8, a day ahead of the sixth round of talks between protesting farmers and the centre, is meant to mount pressure on the government to repeal three contentious agriculture reform laws.
The protest is to show that we don't support some of the policies of the government, Bharatiya Kisan Union Spokesperson Rakesh Tikait said. Unions have said their protest is "peaceful and will continue that way".
Farmers Protest Latest News: Opposition parties extend support to Dec 8 ''Bharat Bandh'' call by farmers' unions
Opposition parties except for Trinamool Congress (TMC) have lent their support to ''Bharat Bandh'' on December 8 called by farmers' unions in protest against the new farm laws introduced by the central government.
Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said that his party will hold demonstrations in all states on Tuesday.
"Congress has supported the voice of farmers and will support Bharat Bandh on December 8 in every district and state. All parties and even NDA allies are concerned. Our district and state units will hold demonstrations," Mr Khera told ANI.
Farmers Protest Latest News: During UPA rule, Opposition did exactly what Centre is doing today for farm sector reforms, says Ravi Shankar Prasad
"Opposition parties have jumped into the issue of new farm laws. During UPA rule, they did exactly what the Modi government is doing today for reforms in the farm sector. Now that they're losing polls, they take part in any protest for the sake of their existence," said Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.
Farmers Protest Live: Huge traffic congestion on DND as Chilla border remains closed
With the ongoing farmers' agitation at various places Delhi Traffic Police on Monday announced that the Chilla border on Noida link road was closed for traffic from Noida to Delhi and advised people to use Delhi-Noida-Direct (DND) flyway.
The farmers' protest against the new farm laws entered 12th day on Monday,
"The chilla border on Noida link road is closed for traffic from Noida to Delhi due to farmers protests near Gautam Budh Dwar. People are advised to avoid Noida link road for coming to Delhi and use DND," the police tweeted.
Farmers Protest Latest News: Government should resolve issue of farmers as soon as possible, says Olympic medalist Sushil Kumar
Two-time Olympic medalist, Sushil Kumar on Monday said that the entire nation is standing tall with the protesting farmers and their demands need to be heard by the Central Government.
"The government should make good decisions and make the farmers happy, the whole country runs on the work done by farmers, the issue needs to be resolved as soon as possible. The farmers have been protesting for a long time now, so the issue needs a solution quickly," Sushil Kumar told ANI.
Some sportspersons of Punjab and Haryana have been returning their awards (Padma, Dronacharya, and Arjuna award) in order to show solidarity with the farmers.
Speaking about returning the awards, he said: "One thing I would say that for 3 months farmers protested there so this issue needs to be resolved as soon as possible and the issue should not escalate further. The entire nation is standing tall with the farmers."
Farmers Protest Live: Repealing farm laws will show government's large-heartedness, says Shiv Sena
With farmers' protest against the Centre's farm laws continuing near Delhi, the Shiv Sena on Monday said if the Union government repeals the agri-marketing laws, it will show its "large-heartedness".
An editorial in Shiv Sena mouthpiece ''Saamana'' blamed the central government for the "deteriorating" situation, and said farmers have the right to protest.
"They are protesting near Delhi with that right. The government, too, has no reason to feel low about withdrawing the farm laws, which they (farmers) find tyrannical. Rather it (withdrawing the laws) will be large-heartedness," it said.
Thousands of farmers, mostly from Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, are protesting at various border points of Delhi against the new farm laws.
Farmers' protest: They just want respect for their hard work, says Vinesh Phogat
Expressing solidarity with the ongoing farmers' protest against the new agriculture laws, Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat said they just want respect for their hard work.
Taking to Twitter on Sunday, the Khel Ratna awardee while referring to farmers wrote, "Tired of speaking, now I just want a solution. I do not want anyone else''s rights but just want respect for my hard work #Farmersprotest..."
Earlier in the day, Yograj Singh, the father of cricketer Yuvraj Singh, urged the Central Government to listen to the demands of the farmers and he also backed all sportsperson who are returning their awards in order to show support with the protesting farmers.
Farmers Protest Live: Congress MPs protest at Jantar Mantar, demanding winter session of Parliament to discuss farmers issue
Farmers Protest Latest News: Yograj Singh, Yuvraj Singh's father, backs sportspersons returning their awards to express solidarity with farmers
Yograj Singh, the father of cricketer Yuvraj Singh, on Monday, urged the Central Government to listen to the demands of the farmers and he also backed all sportsperson who are returning their awards in order to show support with the protesting farmers.
"Farmers are demanding the right thing, the government should listen to them. It is really high time that the government should come up with solutions in this regard and I back all those sportspersons who are returning their prestigious award," Mr Yograj told ANI.
"Sportspersons returning award does not mean that they are defaming the award, it is their way to show their solidarity with the protesting farmers. Awards are earned by hard work of many years, it is not easy to get so if they are returning it, I back them. I am also with farmers, they are demanding the right thing," he added.
Farmers Protest in Delhi Today: Arvind Kejriwal visits Singhu border, reviews arrangements for protesting farmersDelhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday visited the Singhu border, where thousands of farmers are protesting against the Centre's new farm laws, and checked arrangements made for them by the city government.
The visit comes a day after the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) extended its support to the ''Bharat Bandh'' called by farmers'' organisations on December 8.
Mr Kejriwal was accompanied by his Cabinet ministers and some party MLAs during the brief visit to the protest venue on the Delhi-Haryana border.
"I checked the arrangements. We received a lot of pressure to allow the use of stadiums as temporary prisons but we did not give permission and I feel this helped the movement. Since then our party MLAs and ministers have been involved in ensuring that farmers do not face any discomfort," he said.
Farmers Protest Live: I stand with my party and farmers, says Sunny Deol on protestsBJP MP and actor Sunny Deol says he believes the government at the Centre always thinks about the betterment of farmers and hopes the party will ensure the right outcome after talks with farmers protesting against the new agricultural laws.
Thousands of farmers, mostly from Punjab and Haryana, have gathered at various border points of Delhi since November 26 as part of their protest against the BJP-led central government farm laws.
The protesting farmers are worried the new laws will eliminate the safety cushion of a Minimum Support Price (MSP) and procurement system, while rendering ineffective the mandi system that ensures earnings for various stakeholders in the farm sector.
Mr Deol on Sunday evening issued a statement on his Twitter handle in Hindi, saying the matter is between the farmers and government, but there are people who are trying to gain something out of the agitation.
Farmers Protest LIVE: The chilla border on Noida link road closed for traffic: Delhi Traffic Police
Farmers Protest Latest News: Arvind Kejriwal meets protesting farmers near Delhi-Haryana border
Farmers Protest in Delhi Today: Farmers continue to protest at Delhi-Haryana border as their agitation enters 12th day
Farmer Protest Live: Singhu border, NH 44 closed for traffic movement
As the ongoing farmers' agitation at Burari, Singhu and Tikri borders entered day 12, the Delhi Traffic Police on Monday issued an advisory for commuters as multiple borders between Delhi and neighbouring states remained closed for traffic.
The Delhi Traffic Police today issued a traffic alert closing the National Highway (NH) 44 on both sides in the national capital region.
Commuters have been asked to take alternate routes via Lampur, Safiabad, Saboli borders and avoid Outer Ring Road, GTK road and NH-44.
Farmer protest updates: Several opposition parties have backed nationwide shutdown called by farmers tomorrow
Farmers have called a nationwide shutdown tomorrow, saying they will occupy all highway toll gates across the country and not allow the government to collect tolls as part of the December 8 strike. Several opposition parties , including the Congress, the DMK, the RJD, the Samajwadi Party, the newly-minted People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration in J&K, and a collection of Left outfits, have extended support for "Bharat bandh".
Farmer protest news: Police outside Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav's residence
Police force deployed outside Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav's residence at Vikramaditya Marg.
Mr Yadav is scheduled to visit Kannauj to stage a demonstration in support of farmers protesting against the farm laws. (ANI)
Farmer Protests Latest News: NH 44 closed for traffic movement
The Delhi Traffic Police has issued an advisory for commuters as multiple borders between Delhi and neighbouring states remained closed for traffic. Commuters have been asked to take alternate routes via Lampur, Safiabad, Saboli borders and avoid Outer Ring Road, GTK road and NH-44.
"Singhu, Auchandi, Piao Maniyari, Mangesh borders are closed. NH-44 is closed on both sides. Take alternate routes via Lampur, Safiabad, Saboli borders. Traffic has been diverted from Mukarba and GTK road. Avoid Outer Ring Road, GTK road, NH-44," the Delhi Traffic Police tweeted.
Farmer Protests News: Arvind Kejriwal To Review Facilities For Farmers Today At Protest Site
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will visit the Delhi-Haryana border today to review arrangements made for protesting farmers camping there, officials said. Mr Kejriwal will visit the Singhu border along with his cabinet members at 10 am, they said. The Aam Aadmi leader will be the first chief minister of a state to visit a protest venue. Mr Kejriwal is among the several opposition leaders who have extended support for "Bharat bandh", which has been called for by the thousands of farmers protesting against the centre's contentious new farm laws. (Read full story
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