News Analysis India

Tag: Farmers Protest

  • India compares Red Fort incident with Capitol violence as US flags internet cut

    By Express News Service
    NEW DELHI: Reacting for the first time to the ongoing farmers’ protests in Delhi, the US on Thursday said the new farm laws could improve market efficiency. It, however, frowned upon the Narendra Modi government’s crackdown on protesters by snapping internet connectivity at protest sites.

    “Unhindered access to information, including the internet, is fundamental to the freedom of expression and a hallmark of a thriving democracy,” the US State Department said. Urging India to resolve the deadlock through dialogue, it said “peaceful protests” are hallmarks of a democracy.

    ALSO READ | Oppression against us attracting international attention: Farmers

    In response, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said temporary measures with regard to internet access in certain parts of the NCR region were taken to prevent possible escalation of violence.

    “As you can see, the US State Department has acknowledged steps being taken by India towards agricultural reforms,” Srivastava added.

    “The incidents of violence and vandalism at the historic Red Fort on the 26th of January have evoked similar sentiments and reactions in India as did the incidents on the Capitol Hill on the 6th of January and are being addressed as per respective local laws,” he added.

    ALSO READ | Nuancing our response as support to farmers’ agitation goes global

    The remarks from the US administration come a day after India hit out at celebrities like pop star Rihanna and environment activist Greta Thunberg for allegedly spreading inaccuracies about the strike.

  • Stopped at Ghazipur border, Opposition MPs say farmers are ‘denied basic rights’

    By Express News Service
    NEW DELHI: In protest against the farm laws, a delegation of 15 MPs from 10 opposition parties, led by Shiromani Akali Dal’s Harsimrat Kaur Badal, went to Ghazipur border on Thursday. But they were stopped by the police before they could reach the protest site.

    Badal said they were not allowed to cross the barricades and reach the place where protesters have gathered.

    ​“Today, 15 MPs representing different political parties from Kashmir to Kanyakumari went to Ghazipur border to express solidarity with the farmers and demand immediate repeal of the three hated farm laws. We also demand an end to atrocities being meted out to peacefully agitating farmers,” she tweeted.

    ​ALSO READ | Please understand farmers’ pain, stop your monologue: Opposition tears into government

    Supriya Sule of NCP, Kanimozhi and Tiruchi Siva from the DMK, Saugata Roy from TMC were part of the delegation. Members of the National Conference, RSP and IUML were also part of it. They later wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla that they were not allowed to meet the farmers.

    “In our culture, it is called Annadata Sukhi Bhav. The farmer is our breadwinner. We all feel that for him to be happy, the central government must take a step forward and listen to his grievances and come up with a satisfactory solution,” Sule said.

    “Struggling farmers are denied basic rights, including drinking water and internet service. The government treats them like enemies,” Kanimozhi said, before setting off for the border. The Budget Session of the Parliament has seen vociferous protests from the opposition benches. Government has maintained it is open to talks.

    ​ALSO READ | Farmers’ protest: ‘Calling us terrorists is government’s propaganda to destroy our movement’

    February 6 blockade: Amit Shah reviews safety measures

    Two days ahead of the chakka jam (nationwide roadblock) called by the farmers, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had an emergency meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Delhi Police Commissioner SN Srivastava and Director of Intelligence Bureau Arvind Kumar to discuss preparations. 

    Farmers have said they would block roads from 12 noon to 3 pm on Saturday. Sources said there are intelligence inputs that anti-social elements may try to create trouble on that day. Security officials have been asked to take measures to ensure there is no repeat of the January 26 violence in Delhi.

    ​The home minister, sources said, has asked top security officials to ensure safety and security of farmers, police and everyone else. Meanwhile, Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait said a three-hour ‘chakka jaam’ will take place on February 6 but not in Delhi.

  • Disorder remains the order in Lok Sabha over farm laws; proceedings adjourned thrice

    By Express News Service
    NEW DELHI: In contrast to the Rajya Sabha taking up discussions on the motion of thanks to the address of President Ram Nath Kovind to the joint sitting of the Parliament, ruckus ruled Lok Sabha. The Opposition kept pressing for repealing of the contentious farm laws.

    Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla failed to convince Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Choudhary to allow the House to take up the discussion on the motion of thanks.

    Birla continued to discuss ways to break the deadlock with the Opposition till late in the evening. The Opposition, particularly Congress, insisted on separate discussion on farm stir against the government wanting to club it with the motion of thanks. Opposition members crowded the well of the House, holding placards calling for scrapping of the “black laws”.

    A few of them surrounded the Chair to gain camera footage. Incidentally, discussion of the motion of thanks in Rajya Sabha saw members from the treasury and Opposition benches arguing strongly in favour and against the farm laws.

    While Lok Sabha was adjourned within a few minutes of resumption each hour after 4 pm, presiding officer Meenakshi Lekhi pressed ahead with the Zero Hour at 8.30 pm, asking members to raise important matters of their constituencies. Mostly the BJP members took part in the Zero Hour during which the Opposition kept shouting slogans.

    Workers at a site set up barricades at Ghazipur border to stop farmers frommarching towards Delhi. (Photo | EPS)

    The Rajya Sabha also saw the Opposition attack the government, saying that democracy is suppressed in the country. During motion of thanks on the President’s address, TMC MP Derek O’Brien said the government has failed to uphold the sanctity of Parliament.

    ​“Members had asked, as is procedure for the Bills to be referred to a select committee, but the government never did that. Political administration is the purview of the PM and home minister. This government has failed on many counts including handling the Covid-19 crisis and economy,” he said. Alleging that democracy was being suppressed, Congress MP Digvijaya Singh said: “We respect the mandate you have but the way in which dissent, which is the backbone of a democracy, is suppressed in our country is deplorable. The foisting of cases against farmers, journalists, activists and such need to stop.”

    WTO asked to revisit agriculture pact before talking in support of Indian farmers

    A group of former IFS officers has called upon the WTO to revisit the agreement on agriculture, stating that it’s biased in favour of the developed world. As much as other WTO Members were not even consulted, they said, the WTO agreement is characterised by democratic deficit and based on commercial realpolitik. “Obviously, you cannot have your cake and eat it too. The balance between market forces, food security and famers’ welfare is a delicate one” 

    BJP urges cultivators not to fall for international conspiracy against country

    The BJP on Thursday called upon the farmers for talks, asking them not to fall for an “international conspiracy against India”. The party said that the country doesn’t need a certificate from foreigners.  “We wish to make an appeal to the farmers that they should talk to us. The government’s door is open for them. A few of the farmers’ unions who don’t like the farm laws can surely protest, but they should unite if there’s a conspiracy against the country,” it said.

    Kisan widows slam Kangana, burn effigy in Maharashtra

    Scores of widows of farmers on Thursday protested in Yavatmal to slam actor Kangana Ranaut for her “anti-farmers remarks”, burnt her effigy and demanded an unconditional apology from her. The protesters carrying banners and placards to proclaim ‘Yes, we are farmers but not terrorists’, referring to Kangana’s recent statement to malign the farmers protesting on Delhi borders and compare them to terrorists also burnt the Bollywood actor’s pictures.

  • What’s wrong if foreign celebs support our stir; don’t know Rihanna, Greta Thunberg: Rakesh Tikait

    By PTI
    GHAZIABAD: “Mujhe kya pata, kara hoga.Main kya unhe jaanun!” farmer leader Rakesh Tikait said on Thursday, breaking into his characteristic rustic style of conversation when asked about the support from several international celebrities to the protests against new agri laws.

    The 51-year-old Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader from the hinterlands of Muzaffarnagar in western Uttar Pradesh welcomed the support from international artistes and activists, including Rihanna and Greta Thunberg, although admitting he does not know them.

    Talking to the media at Ghazipur on the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border, Tikait, who is credited with reviving the agitation that had gone slim after the January 26 violence in Delhi, sought to know who these people were.

    “Kaun hain ye videshi kalaakar? (Who are these foreign artists)?” Tikait said exhibiting unawareness when asked about the foreigners supporting the farmers’ movement.

    When informed about American pop-singer Rihanna, adult star Mia Khalifa and Swedish teen climate activist Greta Thunberg, the Sisauli-born Tikait responded: “Mujhe kya pata, kara hoga. Main kya unhe jaanun! (They would have supported the farmers’ protest, but I don’t know them!).”

    “Koi videshi agar samarthan kar raha to kya dikkat hai, kuch le-de thodi na raha hai (If some foreigner is supporting the movement, then what is the problem. They are not giving us or taking anything away from us),” he said.

    ALSO READ| US govt reaction to farmer protests must be seen in its entirety: Ministry of External Affairs

    Commenting on a futile attempt of 15 members of parliament to reach Ghazipur and meet protestors earlier on Thursday, the BKU national spokesperson said the MPs should have sat on the ground on the other side of the barricading where they were stopped by the Delhi Police.

    “Barricading laga rakhi hai inge. Unhe aana tha, we wahin baith jaate. We unghe baith jaate hum inge baithe the (A barricading has been set up here. The MPs had to come, but they should have sat down there itself. They would have been on the other side and we on this side (of the barricades),” he said.

    Tikait said he did not have any talk with the 15 MPs who had tried to come to Ghazipur to meet the protestors. He added that they were also not allowed to speak to the protestors.

    The 15 MPs from 10 Opposition parties, including the SAD, the DMK, the NCP and the Trinamool Congress, wanted to meet protestors at Ghazipur. Members of the National Conference, the RSP and the IUML were also part of the delegation.

    Parliament member and Shiromani Akali Dal leader Harsimrat Kaur Badal, who coordinated the visit, said the leaders were not allowed to cross the barricades and reach the protest site, where thousands of farmers are camping since November with a demand that the government repeal the new agri-marketing laws enacted last September.

    ALSO READ| Farmers’ protest: No ‘chakka jam’ on February 6 in Delhi, says Rakesh Tikait

    The farmers protest at Ghazipur, Tikri and Singhu at Delhi borders have now attained global spotlight with prominent international celebrities and rights activists talking about the stir.

    In its pushback, the government said the facts on the issue must be ascertained before rushing to comment on it, and asserted that the “temptation” of sensationalist social media hashtags and views is “neither accurate nor responsible”.

  • US government reaction to farmer protests must be seen in its entirety: Ministry of External Affairs

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI: Hours after the Biden Administration reacted to the farmer protests, India on Thursday said the comments must be seen in their entirety, and appeared to compare the reactions and sentiments in the country after incidents of violence and vandalism at the Red Fort on January 26 to those following the recent clashes at the US’ Capitol Hill.

    At a media briefing, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said any protests must be seen in the context of India’s democratic ethos and polity, and the ongoing efforts of the government and the concerned farmer groups to resolve the impasse.

    “The incidents of violence and vandalism at the historic Red Fort on January 26 have evoked similar sentiments and reactions in India as did the incidents on the Capitol Hill on 6 January and are being addressed as per our respective local laws,” he said.

    In its first reaction to the ongoing farmers’ agitation, the new US administration on Thursday said it encourages that any differences between the parties be resolved through dialogue even as it backed steps that can improve the efficiency of India’s markets and attract greater investment.

    ALSO READ| India-US fully committed to further strengthening ties: India’s envoy

    The US also said peaceful protests and unhindered access to the internet are “hallmarks” of a “thriving democracy”. “We have taken note of comments of the US State Department. It is important to see such comments in the context in which they were made and in their entirety,” he said.

    Srivastava said both India and the United States are vibrant democracies with shared values. “The temporary measures with regard to internet access in certain parts of the NCR region were therefore understandably undertaken to prevent further violence,” Srivastava added.

    The MEA spokesperson said the US state department has acknowledged the steps being taken by India towards agricultural reforms. “Any protests must be seen in the context of India’s democratic ethos and polity, and the ongoing efforts of the government and the concerned farmer groups to resolve the impasse,” he said.

  • Farmers’ protest: No ‘chakka jam’ on Feb 6 in Delhi, says Rakesh Tikait

    By ANI
    NEW DELHI: As the farmers continue their agitation against farm laws at various borders of the national capital, the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait on Thursday informed that three-hour-long ‘chakka jam’ on February 6 will not take in Delhi.

    Speaking to reporters at the Ghazipur border protest site, he said farmers would provide food and water to the people who will be stuck due to ‘chakka jam’.

    “There will be a three-hour-long ‘chakka jam’ on February 6. It won’t take place in Delhi but everywhere outside Delhi. The people that will be stuck in it will be given food and water. We will tell them what is the Govt doing with us,” Tikait said.

    When asked to comment on nails fixed near barricades at the Ghazipur border (Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border), Tikait said, “We were growing crops there and they (government) fixed nails.”

    Responding to comments by the international celebrities on farmers’ protests in India, he said that there is no harm in ‘Hollywood artists supporting farmers’ movement’.

    “There is no harm in Hollywood artists supporting farmers’ movement, I don’t know them personally, but they are supporting without any expectation,” he said.

    The Ministry of External Affairs, in its statement, had earlier said that the government has passed the laws “after a full debate and discussion” and has “initiated a series of talks” to address the farmers’ issues.

    The MEA also condemned celebrities, who have drawn attention to the farmers’ protest on social media.

    The MEA’s response came after American pop star Rihanna extended support to the farmers’ protest. “Why aren’t we talking about this?!”, Rihanna tweeted on Tuesday, along with the hashtag ‘#FarmersProtest’.

    Soon after Rihanna’s tweet, several other prominent international celebrities and activists including Jay Sean, Amanda Cerny, Lilly Singh, and Greta Thunberg came out in support of the farmers.

    Farmers have been protesting at different borders of the national capital since November 26 last year against the three newly enacted 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.

  • Disorder remains the order in Lok Sabha over farm laws; proceedings adjourned thrice

    By Express News Service
    NEW DELHI: In contrast to the Rajya Sabha taking up discussions on the motion of thanks to the address of President Ram Nath Kovind to the joint sitting of the Parliament, ruckus ruled Lok Sabha. The Opposition kept pressing for repealing of the contentious farm laws.

    Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla failed to convince Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Choudhary to allow the House to take up the discussion on the motion of thanks.

    Birla continued to discuss ways to break the deadlock with the Opposition till late in the evening. The Opposition, particularly Congress, insisted on separate discussion on farm stir against the government wanting to club it with the motion of thanks. Opposition members crowded the well of the House, holding placards calling for scrapping of the “black laws”.

    A few of them surrounded the Chair to gain camera footage. Incidentally, discussion of the motion of thanks in Rajya Sabha saw members from the treasury and Opposition benches arguing strongly in favour and against the farm laws.

    While Lok Sabha was adjourned within a few minutes of resumption each hour after 4 pm, presiding officer Meenakshi Lekhi pressed ahead with the Zero Hour at 8.30 pm, asking members to raise important matters of their constituencies. Mostly the BJP members took part in the Zero Hour during which the Opposition kept shouting slogans.

    Workers at a site set up barricades at Ghazipur border to stop farmers frommarching towards Delhi. (Photo | EPS)

    The Rajya Sabha also saw the Opposition attack the government, saying that democracy is suppressed in the country. During motion of thanks on the President’s address, TMC MP Derek O’Brien said the government has failed to uphold the sanctity of Parliament.

    ​“Members had asked, as is procedure for the Bills to be referred to a select committee, but the government never did that. Political administration is the purview of the PM and home minister. This government has failed on many counts including handling the Covid-19 crisis and economy,” he said. Alleging that democracy was being suppressed, Congress MP Digvijaya Singh said: “We respect the mandate you have but the way in which dissent, which is the backbone of a democracy, is suppressed in our country is deplorable. The foisting of cases against farmers, journalists, activists and such need to stop.”

    WTO asked to revisit agriculture pact before talking in support of Indian farmers

    A group of former IFS officers has called upon the WTO to revisit the agreement on agriculture, stating that it’s biased in favour of the developed world. As much as other WTO Members were not even consulted, they said, the WTO agreement is characterised by democratic deficit and based on commercial realpolitik. “Obviously, you cannot have your cake and eat it too. The balance between market forces, food security and famers’ welfare is a delicate one” 

    BJP urges cultivators not to fall for international conspiracy against country

    The BJP on Thursday called upon the farmers for talks, asking them not to fall for an “international conspiracy against India”. The party said that the country doesn’t need a certificate from foreigners.  “We wish to make an appeal to the farmers that they should talk to us. The government’s door is open for them. A few of the farmers’ unions who don’t like the farm laws can surely protest, but they should unite if there’s a conspiracy against the country,” it said.

    Kisan widows slam Kangana, burn effigy in Maharashtra

    Scores of widows of farmers on Thursday protested in Yavatmal to slam actor Kangana Ranaut for her “anti-farmers remarks”, burnt her effigy and demanded an unconditional apology from her. The protesters carrying banners and placards to proclaim ‘Yes, we are farmers but not terrorists’, referring to Kangana’s recent statement to malign the farmers protesting on Delhi borders and compare them to terrorists also burnt the Bollywood actor’s pictures.

  • Farmers denied nod to hold mahapanchayat in UP’s Shamli on Friday

    Express News Service
    LUCKNOW: The Shamli district administration has denied permission to farmers’ proposed Mahapanchayat at Bhainswal village on Friday.

    The organisers, including the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) and Samajwadi Party (SP), crossed swords with authorities on Thursday saying they would go ahead with the congregation even without permission.

    Shamli Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Sandeep Kumar gave a number of reasons to deny permission for the mahapanchayat which had to feature RLD vice-president Jayant Chaudhury as the chief guest. The RLD district chief Yogendra Chairman claimed that the party would go ahead with its plan irrespective of the district administration’s nod. The RLD leader claimed that the SDM had cancelled the permission on the directives from Lucknow.

    However, SDM Sandeep Kumar said the permission was denied as there were reports of possible clashes, vandalism, stone pelting, and violence during the mahapanchayat which was expected to draw a large number of people.

    Meanwhile, Shamli District Magistrate Jasjeet Kaur clamped Section 144 of CrPC in the district in the wake of festivals. The prohibitory orders will remain in force in the district till April 3.

    On Wednesday, thousands of farmers from different villages of Bulandshahr district of western UP began their two-day 100-km march towards the Ghazipur border to support the protesting farmers. Many of them were carrying water collected from 36 communities of 36 villages in steel urns. 

    Water supply to the Ghazipur border has been disrupted, causing problems to the farmers staging a dharna there in protest against the three newly-enacted farm laws.

    “If the government stops water supply to protesting farmers, we will take it from our villages,” said the marching farmers.

    Bharatiya Kisan Union (Tikait) for National Capital Region, is leading the march. The marching farmers stayed at Lalpur village in the Sikandrabad area of the district for the night stay and resumed their march on Thursday morning.

  • Government to give Rs 1 lakh crore additional income to farmers: Dharmendra Pradhan

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI: The government will provide Rs 1 lakh crore additional income to farmers that will be generated by converting waste into energy, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan told Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

    He said the heap of waste at Ghazipur will also be cleaned soon to create energy.

    “We have started the Gobar Dhan scheme. Cow dung, agriculture waste, city waste, forest waste, the carbon in biomass, everything will be converted into energy.

    In a few days, the heap of waste at Ghazipur will be cleaned up. The energy that we will make from that we are going to give additional income of Rs 1 lakh crore in the accounts of farmers.

    Income of farmers will double from that,” Pradhan said while speaking during a discussion on Motion of Thanks to the President’s address.

    He said the government has come up with a scheme to procure ethanol worth Rs 20,000 crore which will help increase farmer’s income.

    “We have made a scheme for buying 325 crore litre ethanol in 2020-21. We have started buying that will cost Rs 20,000 crore. This will be 8.5 per cent of requirement.

    In the coming days we will take it to 20 per cent,” Pradhan said.

    Attacking the Congress for not bringing a law on minimum support price (MSP) of crops despite being in power for long and yet questioning the present government on this issue, he asserted that the Modi government after coming to power in 2014 has substantially increased the procurement of foodgrains at MSP.

    A legal backing for MSP is one of the demands (besides repeal of the new farm laws) of the farmers protesting at various borders of the national capital for over two months now.

    Eleven rounds of talks between the Centre and farmers’ unions have failed to break the deadlock, though the government has offered concessions including suspension of the farm laws for 18 months.

    “Why MSP law was never brought in the past? Your four generations had got opportunity to rule the country.

    In many states you ruled thinking it was your estate. When did you get a law on MSP?” Pradhan asked the Congress.

    “You question us, where have we given MSP? During your time (2013-14), a total of Rs 97,110 crore was given as MSP to farmers.

    In our time (2020-21), we have given Rs 2.60 lakh crore. You question those working honestly for farmers’ welfare farmers?” he added.

    According to Pradhan, MSP payment made to paddy growers under the Modi government has increased to Rs 1.72 lakh crore this year, from Rs 63,000 crore during previous regime in 2013-14, he said.

    Similarly, MSP payment to wheat growers increased to Rs 75,050 crore now as against Rs 33,874 crore in 2013-14, while support price payment to pulses reached RS 10,500 crore last year as against mere Rs 236 crore in 2013-14, he added.

    Noting that the government has also implemented the Swaminathan report on MSP at 1.5 times of the cost of production, Pradhan asked BJD leader Prasanna Acharya to comment on the issue after reading the report properly.

    Referring to initiatives taken to achieve the target of doubling farmers’ income, the minister said the effort to increase ethanol blending, compressed biogas programmes among others will ensure additional income to farmers.

    The Opposition Congress cannot appreciate such government efforts as it has never done except for hailing its dynasty, he said.

    “Those born with a golden spoon cannot digest when a tea-seller, son of a woman cleaning utensils in other houses for livelihood, takes reins of the government.

    Yes, such people get affected and therefore talk against the government. But the public is watching them,” he added.

    Highlighting measures taken by the government for all sections of the society, Pradhan said Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a leader is “decisive” and implements programmes that have been promised.

    “Our PM is not a leader who runs away hiding his face. He is a leader who faces challenges head on by taking the entire country together. Therefore, we have been able to defeat COVID,” he said and shared how Kuwait’s new king appreciated India for sending doctors and medical help for coronavirus patients.

  • NDA ally JD(U) comes out in support of farm laws, asks farmers to resume talks with Centre

    Express News Service
    PATNA: Amid the ongoing farmers’ agitation against the new farm laws, JD (U) has come out in support of the new laws on Wednesday. JD(U) national president RCP Singh through a media statement said that the farm bill is not the “anti-farmer” in any manner.

    Singh said that the three farm laws are not the ‘anti-farmer’ and the “mandis” in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh used to be a den of corruption. “When our government came to Bihar, we abolished the APMC Act and see its result today. The grain production in Bihar was 81 lakh tonnes in 2005 that has now gone to 181 lakh tonnes”, Singh said.

    Quoting figures, RCP Singh said that Bihar has done well in the agriculture sector after abolishing the APMC Act. “In terms of productivity, maize production has increased by 135%, paddy by 119% and wheat by 118%. The opposition should not confuse people on such issues”, he said.

    Referring to the first law of the Kissan Bill, Singh said that the first law says that the farmer has the freedom to sell his products. There are no restrictions and is completely free. Similarly, talking about contract farming he said that informal contract farming is still happening in Bihar and UP.

    Talking about the Essential Commodities Act, he said that it came in 1954-55. “That was the era of scarcity. At that time, we were able to feed people when grains came from outside the country. Today we are in surplus in the production of food grains, fruits and vegetables”, he said.

    RCP Singh said that if somebody feels the three laws require improvement, then they should sit down and talk with the government. “We need to understand this. According to the order of the Supreme Court, the government is calling for talks, but you are calling the government dogmatic. Who is stopping you from talking? Let’s talk. How should the income of farmers increase, how should our farming be profitable, how should people not leave agriculture, should be discussed”, he said.