Farmers, protesting at various borders of the national capital demanding the repeal of three new farm laws, have rejected a slew of proposals suggested by the government on Wednesday. Among the suggestions sent by the government were a written assurance on Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crop procurement and clarification on other key issues.
“We reject the government’s proposals,” said Darshan Pal, President of Krantikari Kisan Union at Singhu border between Delhi and Haryana, reports ANI.
Announcing the stepping up of their agitation, Pal said, “We will block Delhi-Jaipur and Delhi-Agra highways by December 12.” The leaders added that on December 14, BJP offices will be gheraoed, protest demonstrations will be held in many parts of the country. “We are also giving a call to farmers from other parts of the country to reach Delhi,” they said, reports ANI.
There was no mention of the repeal of laws in the proposals sent on Wednresday to 13 farmer unions, reports PTI. The government also proposed to make necessary amendments on at least seven issues, including one to allay fears about the weakening of the mandi system.
Even before the proposals were sent, the farmers had made it clear that nothing short of the repeal of laws will be acceptable to them. “All three farm laws should be repealed. This is our demand. If the proposal talks of only amendments then we will reject it,” Kanwalpreet Singh Pannu, Kisan Sangharsh Committee, Punjab, said at Singhu border, reports ANI
As farmers rejected the proposals, a delegation of the Opposition parties called on President Ram Nath Kovind seeking a repeal of the laws. “More than 25 opposition parties have extended their support towards the demand of withdrawing the three laws. These laws are not in India’s interests and also threatens our food security,” CPI-M’s Sitaram Yechury said ahead of meeting with the President.
Others on the five-member delegation were NCP chief Sharad Pawar, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, CPI general secretary D Raja and a representative from DMK.
Home Minister Amit Shah in Tuesday night’s meeting with 13 union leaders had said the government would send a draft proposal on key issues raised by the farmers regarding the three farm laws, even though the meeting had failed to break the ice with farm union leaders who are insisting for repealing these laws.