'Victory against injustice': Reactions come in after Modi drops farm laws

Prime Minister Modi says the laws would be repealed in the new session of parliament, starting this month.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday that he had decided to repeal three agriculture laws that farmers have been protesting against for more than a year.

The protesting farmers said the laws, that allow growers to sell produce beyond government-regulated wholesale markets, where they are assured a minimum price, would benefit big private buyers at their expense.

The government said the legislation was needed to reform an agricultural sector beset by wastage.

Modi, in an address to the nation, said the laws would be repealed in the new session of parliament, starting this month.

Following are some reactions:

Rakesh Tikait, leader and spokesman of Bhartiya Kisan Union

"The agitation will not be withdrawn immediately, we will wait for the day when agricultural laws will be repealed in Parliament. Along with MSP, the government should also discuss other issues of farmers."

Arvind Kejriwal, chief minister of Delhi

"Generations to come will remember how the farmers of this country put their lives on the line and saved farming in this country. I bow before them."

Rahul Gandhi, leader of Congress party

"Congratulations on this victory against injustice!"

Navjot Singh Sidhu, leader of Congress party In Punjab

"Repealing of black laws a step in the right direction ...You're sacrifice has paid dividends."

Arvind Singh Dhankar, secretary of farmer union Khedut Sabha

"With our consistent protests despite pandemic we have proven that we were doing the right thing by questioning the government's flawed farm laws, we showed the world all the problems it will create for millions of Indian farmers. Finally, government has acknowledged our legitimate woes."

Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal chief minister and leader Of Trinamool Congress

"My heartfelt congratulations to every single farmer who fought relentlessly ... This is YOUR VICTORY! My deepest condolences to everyone who lost their loved ones in this fight."

Darshan Pal, senior leader of farmer union coalition Samyukta Kisan Morcha

"We welcome the announcement made by the prime minister, but we need to know the government's stand on our other key demand of making minimum support prices compulsory for call crops."