Farmers protest LIVE: Kerala decides to move SC against Centre's farm laws

Stay tuned for the latest news of the day

11:19 PM

Student, teacher bodies announce support to Bharat Bandh against farm laws

Various students' and teachers' groups Monday announced their support to the 'Bharat Bandh' call given by farmers protesting against the Centre's new agriculture-marketing laws.

 

The Left-backed All India Students' Association (AISA) and All India Students Federation (AISF) called upon students from across the country to join the Tuesday shutdown.

 

"For the past 10 days, millions of peasants are sleeping on different borders of Delhi in chilling cold and have taken up the battle against the policies that would put them in the bondage of contractors and big corporates. They are demanding the rollback of agricultural laws, scrapping of Electricity Amendment Bill 2020 and legislating the demand of MSP.

 

"Hence, it is necessary that we, the student community stand shoulder to shoulder with the farmers of our country," they said in a joint statement.

 

The signatories to the statement included member of the Students Federation of India (SFI), the Congress-affiliated National Students Union of India (NSUI), JNU Students Union President Aishe Ghosh, students of Gujarat and Hyderabad Central University, among others.

11:19 PM

Kerala govt to move Supreme Court against farm laws: minister

The Kerala government will not implement the contentious farm laws and will move the Supreme Court against them this week itself, Agriculture Minister V S Sunilkumar said here on Monday.

 

"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 told reporters here.

 

He said the Centre's move amounted to usurping the authority of state governments, which has been ensured by the Constitution.

 

"The new laws, which take away the food security and independence of the country, will surrender it before the corporate giants, which will in turn destroy our public distribution system," Minister said.

 

Ten Central Unions and over 300 farmers and agricultural workers organisations have given a call for 'Bharat Bandh' on December 8 in protest against the farm laws.

 

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had last week urged the Centre to "listen" to the protesting farmers, who are on an agitation at Delhi border points for the last 11 days against the new laws, and to resolve the issue in an amicable manner.

 

Several rounds of talks between the Centre and farmers have failed to break the deadlock.

 

Vijayan, in a tweet, had described the farmers as the "lifeblood" of the country and said it was time to stand with them.

11:19 PM

Haryana police issues traffic advisory for 'Bharat Bandh' call by farmers

In view of the call for 'Bharat Bandh' on Tuesday given by various farmers' organizations protesting the Central agri laws, Haryana Police has issued a travel advisory stating that people may face traffic blockages on various roads and highways of the state.

 

Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Navdeep Singh Virk said elaborate arrangements have been made by the civil and police administration in Haryana according to directions of the state government.

 

"The primary objective of these arrangements is to maintain public peace and order, prevent any kind of violence, maintain supply of essential items and to facilitate the functioning of traffic and public transport system across the state. The instructions in force due to COVID-19 pandemic situation have also been kept in mind," he added in a statement.

 

Virk said, "According to reports, it is expected that agitating groups may sit in dharna on various roads and highways within Haryana and block them for some time."

 

"Almost all the districts in the state except Nuh and Narnaul are likely to be impacted by big or small road jams. In addition, there may also be disruptions on various toll plazas in the state.

10:40 PM

Farmers' protest

Punjab CM Amarinder Singh mocks Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal for calling himself 'sewadaar' of farmers during his visit to Singhu border, asks him if he even knows difference between wheat and paddy

10:39 PM

Farm laws will benefit farmers, govt will handle agitations: Narendra Tomar

As thousands of farmers camped on Delhi's borders seeking repeal of three new farm laws, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Monday told a group of peasants backing these legislations that these measures will benefit the peasantry and the agriculture sector and that the government will handle such agitations.

 

The delegation of 20 "progressive farmers" from Haryana, led by Padma Shri awardee Kanwal Singh Chauhan, said the government may amend some provisions of the laws but should not repeal them.

 

The delegation members said they were individual farmers and representatives of farmer producer organisations (FPOs). The delegation included Bharatiya Kisan Union (Attar) National President Attar Singh Sandhu.

 

The meeting took place a day before a 'Bharat Bandh' to be observed by protesting farmers' organisations on Tuesday.

 

Addressing the delegation, Tomar said, "Aise chalega andolan vagera, iss se toh niptenge. App logo iss bills ko samarthan karne ke liya pauchhe hai, apko swagat aur hruday se danyawaad karta hoon (These kind of protests will continue, we will handle them. I welcome your support for the bills and sincerely thank you)."

9:37 PM

Madhya Pradesh: On Bharat bandh eve, people stock essentials in Indore

People rushed to stock essential commodities in Indore city of Madhya Pradesh on the eve of the Bharat Bandh called by farmers' bodies against three agriculture laws passed by the Centre.

 

Though major organisations have not backed the shutdown call, people crowded shops to buy essential commodities.

 

On Tuesday, senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh would lead a protest at Chavni Anaj Mandi here, said Congress district president Sadashiv Yadav.

 

Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Mahasangh (RKMM) spokesman Ashish Bhairam said a rally will be taken out.

 

He said RKMM workers will request shop owners to down the shutters for the sake of farmers.

 

A police officer has warned of stern action if anybody tries to take law into his hands during bandh.

8:59 PM

Centre will be responsible for inconvenience to people during Bharat Bandh: Cong

The Congress Monday said the Centre would be responsible for any inconvenience caused to people during the Bharat Bandh' called on December 8 by farmers protesting against the three recently enacted agri-marketing laws. The 'Opposition party also said it would not accept what it termed was "corporatisation of the agriculture sector", and urged the government to "shed its ego" and agree to the farmers' demands of repealing the contentious laws.

The party noted that food security and national security are intrinsically connected, as while farmers ensure food security for the nation, their sons protect the borders of the country. The Congress and several other Opposition parties have supported the 'Bharat Bandh' call given by the agitating farmers. Punjab Congress President Sunil Jakhar alleged the sentiments of farmers were hurt in bringing these laws as they were not consulted before the legislations were passed by Parliament.

8:40 PM

Nobody should be forced to observe 'Bharat Bandh', emergency services allowed: Farmer leaders

Farmer leaders on Monday said that emergency services will be allowed during 'Bharat Bandh' on December 8, and appealed to their affiliates to not force anyone to observe the shut down against the three recently enacted agriculture-related laws. Balbir Singh Rajewal said that the Central government will have to accept the demands of farmers to scrap the new laws whose passage has sparked protests. The agitating farmers have already announced that they would occupy toll plazas between 11 am to 3 pm during the 'Bharat Bandh'.

Bhartiya Kisan Ekta Sangathan president Jagjit singh Dallewala appealed to farmers to maintain peace and not to enter into any scuffle to enforce the bandh. He said the 'bandh' will be effective across the country. "The Modi government will have to accept our demands. We want nothing less than withdrawal of the new farm laws," Rajewal said.

Referring to the Centre's offer to amend the contentious laws, another farmer leader, Darshan Pal, asked as to why the government was agreeing to make changes in the legislations now after initially claiming they will benefit the peasantry. "We want the government to reinstate the old farm laws even if the government thinks it is not good for farmers," Pal also said.

8:38 PM

Govt with farmers, won't spare those who're trying to create chaos under cover of famrers: MP CM

8:33 PM

Former Punjab CM Parkash Badal writes to Modi, urges to repeal 3 farm laws

Former Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal writes to PM Modi saying, "I'm deeply worried about ongoing farmers’ crisis. It seems to me that issue could've been dealt with better if govt had paid greater attention to honest feedback on what farmers really thought of govt’s initiatives."

 

Letter further says,"Three Acts in question that have pushed the country into deep turmoil must be withdrawn without making farmers & their families endure any more suffering in this biting cold. Issue doesn't concern farmers alone but affects entire economic fabric of country."

8:22 PM

Farmers' group in support of new laws meet Agri Minister; seek amendments, not repeal

As thousands of farmers continue to protest on various borders of the national capital seeking repeal of three new farm laws, a delegation of 20 from Haryana met Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar to extend their support for the new legislations. Calling it a delegation of 'progressive farmers', a member of the team said the group led by Padmashree awardee Kamal Singh Chavan met Tomar in support of the farm laws enacted in September and demanded the government may amend some provisions but it should not repeal them.

The delegation members said they were individual farmers and representatives of farmer producer organisations (FPOs). The delegation included Bharatiya Kisan Union (Attar) National President Attar Singh Sandhu. The meeting took place a day before a "Bharat Bandh" to be observed by protesting farmers' organisations on Tuesday, while a meeting is already scheduled for the day after on December 9 between a representative group of agitating farmers and the government for their sixth round of talks.

8:02 PM

Congress' boat is sinking, party trying to save itself by misleading farmers: MP CM

Today I'll expose the hypocrisy of Congress and other political parties including DMK, AAP, SP, Akali Dal, TMC, left parties on farm laws. Congress' boat is sinking and that is why they are trying to save themselves by misleading farmers, said Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Hyderabad

Shivraj CHouhan further said that Sharad Pawar wrote to him in 2011,"There's need to amend APMC Act on lines of model APMC act to encourage private sector investment in marketing, infrastructure & providing alternate competitive marketing channels in overall interest of farmers, consumers & agri trade"

7:46 PM

Delhi mandis to stay closed tomorrow in support of farmers' call for Bharat Bandh

7:28 PM

Oppn doing petty politics in name of farmers, says Haryana CM

Opposition parties are doing petty politics in the name of farmers, it's condemnable. Public & farmers should understand that there is no harm in implementing the laws that have been enacted for the progress of farmers. PM has assured that MSP will continue: Haryana CM ML Khattar

7:21 PM

Kerala govt decides to move to Supreme Court against the Centre's Farm Laws

Kerala Government has decided to move to Supreme Court against the Centre's Farm Laws

 

"We will move SC this week itself. The anti-farmer laws will not be implemented in Kerala and an alternative law will be considered," said Kerala Agriculture Minister VS Sunil Kumar

6:53 PM

Farmers' protest: Noted Punjabi poet Surjit Patar to return Padma Shri award

Noted Punjabi poet Surjit Patar announced on Monday that he will return his Padma Shri award in support of farmers who are protesting against the Centre's farm laws. In a statement, Patar said he was pained at the insensitive attitude of the central government towards the demands of farmers who have been protesting peacefully.

The 75-year-old said he has decided to return his Padma Shri award with a heavy heart. Patar had received the Padma Shri in 2012. Thousands of farmers from Punjab, Haryana and other areas have stayed put at various Delhi border points, protesting against the new farm laws, which they fear will dismantle the minimum support price (MSP) system, leaving them at the "mercy" of big corporate firms.

 

6:28 PM

'Bharat Bandh': Gehlot asks police to maintain law and order in Rajasthan

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Monday direct police to maintain law and order during the 'Bharat Bandh' called by farmer unions protesting on Delhi's borders demanding the repeal of the Centre's new agri-marketing laws.

The law and order was discussed in detail with the police and administration officials. The officers were instructed to ensure proper security arrangements throughout the state, Gehlot tweeted. Senior police officials were present in the meeting.
 

 Ashok Gehlot on Monday said the NDA government at the Centre must shun its "arrogance" and repeal the newly enacted farm laws. In a series of tweets, he said the farmers were spending nights on roads in the chilly winter weather as the "government continued to ignore their demands". Gehlot said Prime Minister Narendra Modi should directly intervene in the matter and listen to the demands of the protesting farmers.


"As more and more farmers are joining the agitation from across the country and gathering at Delhi border at great inconvenience to the women and children, who are part of agitation too, the government must not delay paying heed to the welfare issues of the farmers," the chief minister tweeted. "The NDA government must shun its arrogance, insensitivity, adamant attitude and roll back the black farm laws. The Congress Party stands with our farmers in ensuring the mandi system, MSP must continue & farmers & farm lands are saved from big corporate," he said.

6:23 PM

Farmers protest LIVE: We appeal to farmers to not force anyone to observe 'Bharat bandh, farmer leaders say

'Bharat Bandh' till 3 pm Tuesday, but emergency services will be allowed. Govt will have to accept our demands, we want nothing less than withdrawal of new farm laws, says farmer leader Balbir Singh Rajewal

5:58 PM

AAP to hold peaceful demonstration in support of Bharat Bandh on Dec 8: Gopal Rai

The Aam Aadmi Party will hold a peaceful demonstration in the national capital on Tuesday in support of the 'Bharat Bandh' called by farmer unions protesting on Delhi's borders demanding the repeal of the Centre's new agri-marketing laws, said party leader and Delhi minister Gopal Rai. The party has extended its support to the 'Bharat Bandh' and Rai appealed to all citizens to extend their support to it.

"The AAP will hold a peaceful demonstration on December 8 in support of the Bharat Bandh called by the farmers at 11 am at the ITO crossing of Delhi," Rai was quoted as saying in a party statement. He said, "Today the farmers of our country are in distress. I want to appeal all the citizens of India to support their demands and extend their support to the Bharat Bandh called by the farmers tomorrow. I want to appeal all to join this bandh peacefully and stand in solidarity with the farmers of our country."

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had said that all AAP workers across the country will support the nationwide strike and appealed to all citizens to support the farmers.

5:53 PM

Global leaders are supporting us, our protests is not limited to Punjab: Farmer leader

5:19 PM

Rahul Gandhi demands revocation of farm laws, supports Bharat Bandh

5:03 PM

Elaborate security arrangements in place for 'Bandh', says Delhi Police

The Delhi Police on Monday 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 agitating 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.

Eish Singhal, Delhi Police (PRO), said adequate arrangements have been made by the Delhi Police to ensure normal movement of people on roads during 'Bharat Bandh' on Tuesday. "Delhi Police has also issued a traffic advisory for smooth movement of vehicles and commuters. Anybody who tries to disrupt normal movement, life or forcefully closes shops will be strongly dealt with, as per the law," he said.

Delhi Police has also appealed to everyone to not disrupt life of common citizens and residents of Delhi. Taking to Twitter, the Delhi Traffic Police on Monday said the Singhu, Auchandi, Piao Maniyari, Mangesh, Tikri and Jharoda borders are closed, it said.

5:00 PM

Farmers protest LIVE: Makeshift camps continue to operate at Singhu border

4:51 PM

Gujarat won't support Bharat Bandh called by farmers , says CM Vijay Rupani

Gujarat is not supporting Bharat Bandh call made by farmers. If anyone tries to close shops and other establishments forcefully then strict action will be taken against them: Chief Minister Vijay Rupani

4:35 PM

BSNL employees come out in support of farmers' organisations

BSNL Employees Union on Monday said it fully supports the demand of farmers' organisations for repealing the farm laws. "BSNL Employees Union (BSNLEU) is fully supporting the demands of the farmers' organisations calling for the repealing of the Farm Acts, undemocratically passed in the last session of the Parliament," the union said in a statement.

"BSNL Employees Union fully shares the apprehensions of the farmers' organisations, that the recently passed Farm Acts will take away the minimum support price being offered by the government," it added. The union has called upon its circle and district branches throughout the country to organise lunch hour demonstrations on Tuesday, it said. "BSNLEU is also fully supporting the demand of the farmers' Organisations, calling for total withdrawal of the Electricity Bill-2020," BSNL Employees Union said.

4:30 PM

Delhi Police will patrol the city to avoid untoward accident on Bharat Bandh

4:12 PM

Some political parties stand on APMC Act show their double standards, says UP CM

3:58 PM

Centre asks states to up security, ensure peace for Tuesday's Bharat Bandh

The Centre has asked all states and Union Territories to tighten security during Tuesday's 'Bharat Bandh' called by the farmers unions and supported by opposition parties, while asserting that peace and tranquillity must be maintained on that day, officials said. In a countrywide advisory, the Union Home Ministry also said the state governments and UT administrations must ensure that the Covid-19 guidelines issued with regard to health and social distancing are strictly followed.

The states and UTs were told that peace and tranquillity must be maintained during the 'Bharat Bandh' and precautionary measures taken so that no untoward incident takes place anywhere in the country, a home ministry official said on Monday. The 'Bharat Bandh' has been called by the farmers unions who have been protesting the three farm laws enacted in the Monsoon Session of Parliament. Major political parties, such as the Congress, NCP, DMK, SP, TRS and Left, on Sunday came out in strong support of the bandh.

3:38 PM

Oppn parties except TMC 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.

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president MK Stalin also extended support to the Bharat Bandh. Communist Party of India (CPI) general secretary D Raja said that the Central government, instead of being adamant, should repeal the new farm laws. "The government should not remain adamant and should agree to repeal anti-farmer, anti-national agrarian laws. After several rounds of talks, the government is not conceding. Farmers have given a call for Bharat Bandh. Our party has given support and extended solidarity with protesting farmers," he said.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) spokesperson Sudhindra Bhadoria said that his party is in support of farmers and their call for Bharat Bandh. 

Telangana Rashtra Samithi Member of Legislative Council (MLC) K Kavitha also announced her party's support for the Bharat bandh.  However, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Saugata Roy said that his party stands with protesting farmers but will not support Bharat Bandh in West Bengal. "TMC stands with agitating farmers but we will not support Bharat bandh in West Bengal. It (bandh) goes against our principles," he said.

3:34 PM

Farmers protest LIVE: Taxi Union of Mumbai has not given a call for strike tomorrow in support of 'Bharat Bandh'. Cabs and autos will ply as normal.