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PremiumAmid the farmer's protest in Delhi-NCR, a team of three union ministers held a meeting with the leaders of farmer organisations in Chandigarh to allay their fears. The Central team comprised Union ministers Piyush Goyal, Arjun Munda, and Nityanand Rai, who flew down to Chandigarh to reach out to farmer leaders. The farmers have planned a 'Delhi Chalo' march to press for their demands, including a law to guarantee a minimum support price for crops on 13 February. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that an agreement was reached on multiple issues and was hopeful that another meeting would be held soon.
On the other hand, a sea of farmers from around 100 villages of Noida and Greater Noida on Thursday took to the streets, bringing traffic to a standstill in several parts of Delhi-NCR as they made an unsuccessful bid to march towards Parliament. Between 12 pm and 5 pm, heavy traffic jams were witnessed on the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway, DND loop, Kanlindi Kunj bridge, around Dalit Prerna Sthal, Atta Chowk and Rajnigandha Chowk in Noida.
Check all the latest updates on farmers' protest here:
Farmers' Protest LIVE: "...Two companies from outside have come i.e ITBP and BSF and another one will arrive soon. A total of 11 companies will be here...We are prepared for any situation...We are coordinating well with the Delhi Police..." Jhajjar SP Arpit Jain said.
Farmers' Protest LIVE: “Prohibit entering of Tractors, Trolleys, Buses, Trucks, commercial vehicles, personal vehicles, on horses etc, carrying protestors in Delhi from Uttar Pradesh. Order that the North East District Police shall make all efforts to prevent protestors from entering Delhi," the order stated.
“Order that no person / protestor shall be allowed to bear arms, including firearms, swords, trishul, spears, lathi, rods etc. North East District Police shall make all efforts to detain these persons at the spot. Order that any person found to be acting in contravention to this order shall be liable to be punished under section 188 of the India Penal Code, 1860," it added.
Farmers' Protest LIVE: Police force on alert ahead of the 'Delhi-Chalo' protest by farmers on February 13.
Farmers' Protest LIVE: "Is laying thorns-nails in the path of farmers 'amritkaal' or 'anyaykaal’? This insensitive and anti-farmer attitude had cost the lives of 750 farmers. Working against farmers and not even allowing them to raise their voice – what kind of government does this," Gandhi said in a post in Hindi.
"The promise made to the farmers was not fulfilled – neither was the MSP law made nor was the income of farmers doubled – if farmers do not come to the government of their own country, where else will they go," she added.
"Mr Prime Minister! Why such behaviour with the country’s farmers? Why don't you fulfil the promises made to farmers," the Congress leader said.
Farmers' Protest LIVE: "Borders are being sealed, Section 144 has been imposed, and internet services have been shut down. Does the government have the authority to shut down internet services? In such circumstances, constructive dialogue cannot take place. The government should immediately pay attention to this matter," farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal asked as per India Today
Farmers' Protest LIVE: The administration is making elaborate preparations to secure the borders between Punjab and Haryana in Ambala, Jind, and Fatehabad districts in anticipation of the upcoming 'Delhi Chalo' march.
Farmers' Protest LIVE: The leaders of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) Lakhowal, based in Ludhiana, Punjab, declared on Saturday their decision not to participate in the 'Delhi Chalo' protest scheduled for February 13. However, they asserted their intention to oppose any mistreatment of farmers during the march.
Farmers' Protest LIVE: The Delhi Police is blocking the border of the national capital with Haryana
-Cranes have been deployed to move these barriers if farmers try to cross into Delhi.
-Notably, Haryana too has brought in cement barriers to ensure that the protesting farmers cannot enter Delhi.
-In Delhi, cops are holding drills to practise firing teargas shells if farmers refuse to stop, NDTV reports.
-It is estimated that at least 20,000 farmers with 2,000 tractors are set to enter Delhi day after tomorrow.
-Delhi Police have anticipated that some farmers may use other public transport available, in order to hoodwink, the Delhi Police.
-According to Delhi Police intelligence estimate, some farmers may also come beforehand and gather outside the homes of VIPs such as the Prime Minister, ministers and BJP leaders, reports NDTV
-Delhi Police is also keeping a close watch on social media in the run-up to the protest
-According to NDTV report, the cops of Haryana and Punjab are using tractors to simulate the protest and practise how they will respond. A total of 40 such rehearsal using tractors -- 10 in Haryana, 30 in Punjab -- have been held so far.
-As many as 50 paramilitary companies have been called in to block the farmers.
Farmers are pressing for the enactment of legislation ensuring a minimum support price (MSP), a prerequisite they had stipulated for ending their protest against the farm laws abolished in 2021. Additionally, they advocate for the execution of the Swaminathan Commission's proposals, provision of pensions for farmers and agricultural workers, forgiveness of farm debts, resolution of pending police cases, and redress for the victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri unrest.
Farmers' Protest LIVE: "...If they (central government) do not repeal the three farm laws, our government will be formed in 2024 and we will remove these laws..." Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said
Farmers' Protest LIVE: "...They have suspended three farm laws but the notification to repeal them has not come yet. They suspended the laws to end the protest...Yeh Modi ki chaal hai..." Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said while addressing crowd in Punjab's Ludhiana.
Farmers' Protest LIVE: “Information has been received that some farmer organisations have given a call to their supporters to gather/march to Delhi on 13th February for their demands of the law on MSP and others. They are likely to sit at the border of Delhi till their demands are met. In order to avoid any untoward incident and to maintain Law & Order, a precautionary Order of section 144 Criminal Procedure Code, 1973, is required to be issued to save the lives and property in the area," the Delhi Police said in an order.
Security has been increased near the Tikri border amid calls issued by farmer organisations to march to the national capital on February 13.
To prevent any untoward incident, big containers, cemented and iron barricades, and water canons were placed by police officials at the Singhu border of Delhi.
In Haryana, the CRPF and other security agencies have been deployed to ensure law and order is maintained. Mobile internet services and bulk SMS have also been suspended in seven districts until February 13.
A top police official said that Section 144 has been imposed in Panchkula.
Sirsa-Chandigarh Highway has been blocked by digging the road, and heavy stones have been placed near Musahib Wala village along the Haryana-Punjabi border.
The Shambhu border has been sealed on the Punjab-Haryana border. BSF and RAF personnel have also been deployed.
DCP Arshdeep Singh told ANI, "Due to the farmers' movement, we have sealed the Shambhu border...When they come here, we will request that they not go beyond this because they do not have permission for it. We want them to end the movement peacefully..."
Deputy Superintendent of Police Subhash Chandra and Sirsa Sadar Police Station Incharge Sukhdev Singh are present at the spot to oversee security arrangements.
Traffic restrictions have been imposed on vehicular movement between Haryana and Punjab. Roads leading to Punjab have been blocked near Dabwali, Rodi, and Kalanwali in Haryana.
Delhi Police prepares for Farmers' Protest
-The Delhi Police is blocking the border of the national capital with Haryana
-Cranes have been deployed to move these barriers if farmers try to cross into Delhi.
-Notably, Haryana too has brought in cement barriers to ensure that the protesting farmers cannot enter Delhi.
-In Delhi, cops are holding drills to practise firing teargas shells if farmers refuse to stop, NDTV reports.
-It is estimated that at least 20,000 farmers with 2,000 tractors are set to enter Delhi day after tomorrow.
-Delhi Police have anticipated that some farmers may use other public transport available in Delhi, in order to hoodwink, the Delhi Police.
-According to Delhi Police intelligence estimate, some farmers may also come beforehand and gather outside the homes of VIPs such as the Prime Minister, ministers and BJP leaders, reports NDTV.
-Delhi Police is also keeping a close watch on social media in the run-up to the protest
-According to NDTV report, the cops of Haryana and Punjab are using tractors to simulate the protest and practise how they will respond. A total of 40 such rehearsal using tractors -- 10 in Haryana, 30 in Punjab -- have been held so far.
-As many as 50 paramilitary companies have been called in to block the farmers.
In connection to Punjab farmers 'dilli chalo' call on February 13, Haryana Police blocked one side of the Patiala Delhi national highway at Data Singhwala-Khanauri border and deputed heavy police force including women personnel. Security has been tightened at Ambala-Kaithal bypass
Check full detailed advisory here
Delhi to Chandigarh
As per the advisory issued by Ambala police, for vehicles going from Delhi to Chandigarh, - they can go to Chandigarh via Delhi Sonipat → Panipat → Karnal → Indri → Ladwa or Karnal Kurukshetra → Umri Chowk → Ladwa → Radaur → Yamunanagar NH 344A → Mullana → Shahzadpur → Barwala → Panchkula.
-Passengers can also go to Chandigarh via Kurukshetra → Shahbad → Saha → Shahzadpur → Panchkula.
For commuters travelling from Delhi to Punjab and Punjab to Delhi
Vehicles coming from Delhi to Patiala, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Amritsar etc. in Punjab → Sonipat → Panipat → Karnal → can take turn left from Pipli Cheek and go to Kurukshetra→ Pehiya Cheek→ Patiala→ Ludhiana → Jalandhar → Amritsar.
If commuters from Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Patiyala from Punjab are travelling to Delhi, then they can go through Amritsar → Jalandhar→ Ludhiana→ Cheeka → Pehwa NH-152D.
Chandigarh to Delhi
Vehicles going from Chandigarh to Delhi can go to Delhi via Panchkula→ Ramgarh→ Barwala→ Shahzadpur →Gulana→ National Highway No. 344→ Yamunanagar→ Radaur→ Ladwa→ Indri→ Karnal→ Panipat→ Sonipat. They can also go to Delhi via Panchkula → Ramgarh→ Barwala→ Shahzadpur→ Saha→ Shahbad→ Pipli→ Karnal.
Hisar to Chandigarh
Vehicles going from Hisar to Chandigarh can go to Barwala → Narwana→ Kaithal →Cheeka → Patiala → Chandigarh.
Chandigarh to Hisar
Commuters can take Chandigarh→ Patiyala → Chika → Kaithal Narvana → Barwala and reach Hisar
Vehicles going from Narnaul, Delhi and Rohtak to Chandigarh
Commuters can go to NH 152D → Patiala → Descend from Pehwa Cut →Chika →Patiyala →Chandigarh
Vehicles going from Chandigarh to Rohtak, Delhi, Narnaul can take Chandigarh →Patiala → Cheeka → Pehwa Cut to NH 152D
Ambala to Chandigarh
Vehicles going from Ambala to Chandigarh can go to Chandigarh from Ambala Cantonment → Capital Chowk via Saha → Shahzadpur→ Ramgad → Panchkula.
Ambala to Delhi
Commuters can go to Delhi via Ambala Cantonment → Capital Chowk→ Saha → Shahbad→ Kurukshetra→ Karnal.
Ambala to Narayangarh
Commuters can take Ambala Cantonment → Capital Chowk→Shahzadpur to reach Narayangarh.
Leaders of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) Lakhowal in Punjab's Ludhiana announced on Saturday that they will not join the 'Delhi Chalo' protest on February 13 but will oppose if the farmers face manhandling during the march.
Various farmer bodies will be marching towards Delhi on February 13.
BKU Lakhowal leaders also revealed their strategy regarding the 'Gramin Bharat Bandh' protest slated to be held on February 16. The Gramin Bharat Bandh call has been given by various organizations including Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) to press for their pending demands for the farming sector.
The strategy regarding it was disclosed by Harinder Singh Lakhowal, General Secretary of BKU Lakhowal, during a meeting held in Ludhiana on Saturday.
Security is being tightened near Singhu Border, ahead of the farmers' call for March to Delhi on 13th February. Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar-led Haryana government on Saturday announced the suspension of mobile internet, bulk SMS and all dongle services in several districts till February 13 when farmers are scheduled to march to Delhi to press for a host of demands.
According to a notification issued by the Haryana administration, bulk SMS and all dongle services provided on mobile networks, except voice calls, will remain suspended.
On farmers meeting with Union Ministers, General Secretary of Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, Sarvan Singh Pandher says "...A meeting with Union Ministers Arjun Munda, Piyush Goyal and Nityanand Rai regarding the demands of farmers unions will take place on 12th February at 5 pm in Chandigarh..."
Punjab | Section 144 has been imposed in Panchkula. A ban was imposed on taking out processions, demonstrations, march pasts on foot or with tractor trolleys and other vehicles, and carrying any sticks, rods or weapons: Panchkula DCP Sumer Singh Pratap
-According to media reports, route diversions and a seven-tier security cordon are also a part of the elaborate arrangements.
-Haryana government authorities' men were seen drilling iron nails on the roads.
-All the borders of Haryana with Punjab have been sealed with huge cement barricades and barbed wires.
-Section 144 has been imposed in many districts of Haryana and CRPF and other security agencies have also been deployed along with the police force.
-According to an official order, mobile internet services will remain suspended in seven districts--Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa--from 6 am on February 11 till 11.59 pm on February 13.
-The Haryana-Punjab border at Shambhu was closed for vehicular movement towards Ambala and Delhi. It even led to a massive traffic jam inconveniencing commuters travelling towards Ambala.
-The Ghaggar river bed has also been dug up to prevent farmers from reaching the highway through tractors, said officials.
-The Haryana government has also ordered the suspension of mobile internet services and bulk SMS in seven districts - Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa - ahead of the farmers' proposed march.
-This comes even as the farmers are readying their tractor trolleys to participate in the march. In Rajpura, farmers took out a tractor march as part of their preparations to head towards Delhi.
-People can contact dial-112 during any untoward situation, an advisory stated
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher on Saturday said the Centre has invited them for a meeting to discuss their demands on February 12.
He said three Union ministers -- Piyush Goyal, Arjun Munda and Nityanand Rai -- will arrive in Chandigarh on February 12 to hold talks with a deputation of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha.
The meeting will be held at the Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration in Sector 26, a day before the farmers' proposed 'Delhi Chalo' march.
Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar-led Haryana government on Saturday announced the suspension of mobile internet, bulk SMS and all dongle services in several districts till February 13 when farmers are scheduled to march to Delhi to press for a host of demands.
According to a notification issued by the Haryana administration, bulk SMS and all dongle services provided on mobile networks, except voice calls, will remain suspended.
According to an official order, mobile internet services will remain suspended in seven districts--Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa--from 6 am on February 11 till 11.59 pm on February 13.
The Haryana government on Saturday ordered the suspension of mobile internet services and bulk SMS in seven districts ahead of farmers' proposed 'Delhi Chalo' march on February 13.
According to an official order, the mobile internet services will remain suspended in Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa districts from 6 am on February 11 to 23:59 pm on February 13.
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha has announced the 'Delhi Chalo' march by more than 200 farmers' unions on February 13 to press the Centre for accepting their several demands, including enactment of a law to guarantee a minimum support price (MSP) for crops. (PTI)
In connection to Punjab farmers 'dilli chalo' call on February 13, Haryana Police blocked one side of the Patiala Delhi national highway at Data Singhwala-Khanauri border and deputed heavy police force including women personnel.
Higher officials including Hisar range Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Matta Ravi Kiran visited the border and asked local police officials to ensure a ban on entry of Punjab farmers in the national capital on February 13.
Commuters in Ambala share their experience as Police barricading being put up in view of 13th Feb farmers' protest.
Gurmeet, one of the commuters said, "We are facing difficulty. We are walking on foot. Auto rickshaws are demanding higher fares..." Kiran says, "...Bus drivers say that we will have to wait for 5 hours if we travel by bus. We are getting late, so we are walking on foot." Another commuter says, "We are facing difficulty...They have put up barricades."
SHO Joginder Singh said, "...Barricading is being done here so that they can't advance any further. Three-layer barricading is being done..."
However, police officials seemed tight-lipped over this issue and refrained from commenting on the issue openly. Jind police SP Sumit Kumar said that 'taiyari puri hai aur Punjab ke kisano ko enter nahi karne diya jaayega' (Complete arrangements have been made and Punjab farmers will not be allowed to enter Haryana). An adequate police force has been deputed at the border to deal with protestors. (ANI)
Elaborate arrangements are being made to seal the Punjab-Haryana borders in Ambala, Jind and Fatehabad districts ahead of farmers' proposed 'Delhi Chalo' march on February 13 to press the Centre to accept their various demands.
The Haryana Police on Saturday issued a traffic advisory and urged commuters to limit travel on the main roads of the state to urgent situations on February 13, anticipating potential traffic disruptions on major routes from Haryana to Punjab.
The Haryana government also ordered the suspension of mobile internet services and bulk SMS in seven districts -- Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa -- ahead of farmers' proposed march to Delhi.
Meanwhile, Haryana Director General of Police Shatrujeet Kapur along with Inspector General of Police (Ambala Range) Siwas Kaviraj and Ambala Superintendent of Police Jashandeep Singh Saturday visited the Shambhu border near Ambala to take stock of the arrangements in the wake of farmers' proposed march next week.
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha had announced 'Delhi Chalo' march by more than 200 farmers' unions on February 13 to press the Centre to accept several demands, including enactment of a law to guarantee a minimum support price (MSP) for crops.
In the traffic advisory, police asked commuters going from Chandigarh to Delhi to take alternative routes via Derabassi, Barwala/Ramgarh, Saha, Shahbad, Kurukshetra, or through Panchkula, NH-344 Yamunanagar Indri/Pipli, Karnal.
Similarly, passengers travelling from Delhi to Chandigarh have been asked to reach their destination via Karnal, Indri/Pipli, Yamunanagar, Panchkula, or Kurukshetra, Shahbad, Saha, Barwala, Ramgarh, according to police.
The road on the Ghaggar flyover at the Shambhu border was shut for traffic movement with police placing cemented barricades on the road.
The Ghaggar river bed was also dug up to prevent farmers from reaching the highway through tractors, said officials.
Commuters travelling towards Ambala through Shambhu border faced inconvenience because of massive traffic snarls, the advisory said.
The general public is appealed to travel to Punjab only in urgent circumstances, it said.
According to the advisory, guidelines have been issued to all senior police officers to minimise inconvenience to the general public and ensure the smooth functioning of law and order.
Preparations have been made to temporarily change traffic routes in affected districts, especially Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Fatehabad, Sirsa, said police.
However, traffic movement will remain unaffected on all other routes in the state, said police while appealing to the public to refrain from unnecessary outings during this period.
Ambala Deputy Commissioner Shaleen said tight security arrangements have been made for February 13.
Instructions have been issued to set up checkpoints at places from where farmers are expected to come, said officials.
The police have already stocked up concrete blocks, barbed wire, sandbags, barricades and other items at the Shambhu border in Ambala to stop the protesters from marching towards the national capital.
Similar arrangements are being made in Jind and Fatehabad districts.
The farmers have planned to head to Delhi from the Ambala-Shambhu border, Khanauri-Jind and the Dabwali border.
Haryana Police has already deployed 50 companies of central paramilitary forces to maintain law and order in the state.
Meanwhile, farmers are preparing themselves for marching towards Delhi even as they slammed the Haryana government for sealing the borders with Punjab. (PTI)
Leaders of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) Lakhowal in Punjab's Ludhiana announced on Saturday that they will not join the 'Delhi Chalo' protest on February 13 but will oppose if the farmers face manhandling during the march.
Various farmer bodies will be marching towards Delhi on February 13.
BKU Lakhowal leaders also revealed their strategy regarding the 'Gramin Bharat Bandh' protest slated to be held on February 16. The Gramin Bharat Bandh call has been given by various organizations including Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) to press for their pending demands for the farming sector.
The strategy regarding it was disclosed by Harinder Singh Lakhowal, General Secretary of BKU Lakhowal, during a meeting held in Ludhiana on Saturday.
Addressing a press conference after the meeting, he said that they do not support the announcement by farmer organizations belonging to the SKM (non-political) to march to Delhi on February 13 but also warned that if the farmers face manhandling, then all the farmer organizations will unitedly come out on the streets to render support.
Harinder Singh Lakhowal alleged that corporate houses were being given favours by the central government. Bharat Bandh will be observed by different organizations against this.
Regarding the announcement of the Delhi march by some farmer organizations on February 13, he said that not everyone was taken into confidence before taking this decision.
He further criticized the deployment of police force on the Punjab-Haryana border. However, he expressed hope for the meeting to be held on February 12.
He concluded by appealing to the Punjab government to fulfil the pending demands of the farmers in the state. (ANI)
The decision to confer Bharat Ratna Award on Choudhary Charan Singh and Dr M S Swaminathan ahead of the 2024 general elections is the "height of hypocrisy", All India Kisan Sabha said on Saturday.
"By this step, the Modi regime is trying to hide its extreme anti-farmer, anti-agriculture and pro-corporate policies of the last ten years. But farmers will see through its game and it will never succeed in hoodwinking the rural populace," AIKS said in a statement.
The AIKS said more than 750 farmers from different parts of the country died during the 2020-21 farmers' protests against the now repealed farm laws, and many of the families of these farmer have still not received any compensation despite written assurances by the central government.
"The Modi regime is also the only government in independent India which has the ignominy of one of its own Union ministers of state Ajay Mishra Teni being directly responsible for the crushing to death of four farmers and one journalist under cars directed by him at Lakhimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh, which is the native state of Choudhary Charan Singh, a renowned anti-feudal farmer leader himself. What is worse, this minister, instead of being in jail for murder, still retains his post in the Modi cabinet," they said.
They also cited National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) figures and said over one lakh farmers and agricultural workers have committed suicide due to indebtedness in the last ten years under the BJP government.
"The main reason for this terrible human tragedy is the outright refusal of this government to implement the most seminal recommendation of the National Commission on Farmers (NCF), headed by Dr M S Swaminathan, of giving a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) at one and a half times the comprehensive cost of production (C2 50%)," they said.
They also said that on February 15, 2015, the Union government filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court that it was not possible to increase the MSP for food grains and other farm produce to input cost plus 50 per cent as it would “distort the market". (PTI)
Samajwadi Party National General Secretary Swami Prasad Maurya claimed that the act of conferring Bharat Ratnas to former Prime Ministers Chaudhury Charan Singh, PV Narasimha Rao and eminent scientist MS Swaminathan is "electoral compulsion" for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
"I welcome the act of honouring farmer leader Chaudhury Charan Singh, former Prime Minister Narasimha Rao and eminent scientist MS Swaminathan with the Bharat Ratna though the Bharatiya Janata Party honoured them due to electoral compulsion," Maurya said, speaking to ANI on Saturday.
The Samajwadi Party leader said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was questioning and criticising the role of these personalities some days ago, but they are awarding them with the Bharat Ratna now.
"A few days back, they (BJP) were questioning their work, but now they are praising them. I heard the Prime Minister say that Chaudhuri Charan Singh played an eminent role in national development. I have also heard that Narsimha Rao led India's economic development. These people (BJP) who were opposed to their contributions, are giving them Bharat Ratna today. This shows their electoral compulsion," Maurya said.
Earlier, the Samajwadi Party MLC said in a post on 'X' that it has now become necessary for the BJP to confer the Bharat Ratna to these personalities.
"Alas, this is electoral compulsion. It has become necessary to give Bharat Ratna. It is a completely right decision to honour the Messiah of farmers and former Prime Minister, Chaudhary Charan Singh, agricultural scientist MS Swaminathan, and former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao with Bharat Ratna. Even if it is given under electoral compulsion of 2024, I welcome it," Maurya said. (ANI)
Samyukt Kisan Morcha on Saturday welcomed the conferring of Bharat Ratna on Chaudhary Charan Singh and MS Swaminathan but termed it an attempt to divert people's attention from government's failure to provide Minimum Support Price for crops as suggested by the Swaminathan committee.
In a statement, the SKM also said Singh and Swaminathan will remain alive in people's memory for their contribution to farmers even without a Bharat Ratna and "denounced" Prime Minister Narendra Modi for failing to solve the crisis of farmers of India.
"SKM welcomes BJP government's late recognition of Chaudhary Charan Singh and due recognition of Dr. MS Swaminathan for their contribution to agriculture and farmers in conferring Bharat Ratna on them. While Chaudhary Charan Singh had a role in implementation of Zamindari Abolition in UP leading to ownership rights for peasantry, as the Chairman of the National Farmers' Commission, Dr. MS Swaminathan made recommendations for income guarantee to farmers," the SKM said in a statement.
"However, the Modi government is honouring and decorating the leaders only to cheat the farmers and people. The PM has neither honesty nor sincerity and indulged in a poor vote catching gimmick intended to worsen farmers’ misery and use tokenism to camouflage his services to big corporate forces associated with foreign companies in farming," it said.
The SKM accused the government of indulging in many forms of tokenism to divert attention of people from its policies ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. (PTI)
The Congress on Saturday said the White Paper on the economy was brought by the government to hide the "dark truths" of this country and divert attention from the burning issues of unemployment, price rise, farmers' stress and the state of the economy.
Speaking in the short-duration discussion on the White Paper brought by the government, Congress leader K C Venugopal alleged in Rajya Sabha that the government has used this as a defence for itself by diverting from the issues before the country.
He also accused the government of using the Bharat Ratna award for political purposes, even though he welcomed the award to former prime ministers Narasimha Rao and Chaudhary Charan Singh and agriculture scientist M S Swaminathan.
Venugopal asked why the finance ministry did not even mention the impact of demonetisation in the White Paper and why it does not make any mention of unemployment rate, poverty and rupee value in the White Paper on the Indian economy.
"This is actually not a white paper, this is a paper which is hiding the dark truths of this country," he said in the House.
"You will use Bharat Ratna for political purposes," he also alleged, while saluting Rao, Singh and Swaminathan, who have been awarded the Bharat Ratna. (PTI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressing a Viksit Bharat programme virtually said that there were four pillars of the programme, the poor, youth, farmers and women.
PM Modi who addressed 'Viksit Bharat Viksit Gujarat' programme via video conferencing also inaugurated and perform Bhoomi Poojan of more than 1.3 lakh houses across Gujarat built under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and other housing schemes.
The PM said owning a house is a guarantee of one's bright future and his government doing exactly the same through the PM Awas Yojana.
"For any poor person, his own house is the guarantee of his bright future. But with time families are increasing, hence the need for new houses is also increasing. It is the effort of our government that everyone should have a permanent roof and their own house.," PM Modi said.
"Using new technologies and ensuring a fast rate of construction we have changed the face of the Awas Yojna. We are using technology to ensure delivery. It is the endevour of my government that every person should have a proper house" the PM added.
PM Modi also said that the greatest achievement of his government was bringing 25 crore people out of poverty and it was time to do more.
"Today every child in this country wants India to become a developed nation in the next 25 years. For this every citizen is contributing in their own way" the PM said.
As many as 24.82 crore individuals in India moved out of multidimensional poverty over the past nine years, according to a recent NITI Aayog report. (ANI)
Speculations are on the rise about Jayant Chaudhary, son of the late Chaudhary Charan Singh, considering an alliance with the BJP-led coalition. This comes shortly after the posthumous conferment of Bharat Ratna to Chaudhary Charan Singh. Responding to the speculations, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi expressed her views on the matter.
"Whatever decision Jayant Chaudhary takes, he will take it according to his party and what his party people feel is right. I welcome Chaudhary Charan Singh getting the Bharat Ratna. Chaudhary Charan Singh devoted his life to the welfare of farmers and was a prominent farmer leader," MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said.
However, the MP raised concerns about the potential alliance, given the BJP's association with controversial agricultural laws.
"Jayant Chaudhary is discussing a potential alliance with a party that brought black farmer laws into the country. Over 700 farmers have lost their lives, with 30 committing suicide daily due to financial distress," MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said.
Chaturvedi urged Jayant Chaudhary to reconsider his association with a party and political approach.
"Jayant should understand that in a political scenario where the policies are anti-farmer, he should contemplate his responsibility and reconsider his association with such a party and political approach," Priyanka Chaturvedi said. (PTI)
Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha had declared to conduct 'Delhi Chalo' march on February 13. Over 200 farmers' unions on February 13 would push the Centre to accept several demands, including enactment of a law to guarantee a minimum support price (MSP) for crops. However, the SKM was not part of the 'Delhi Chalo' march call instead has called for 'bandh' on February 16.
Haryana's Home Minister, Anil Vij stated, "The decision to confer the 'Bharat Ratna' upon former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh, a mass leader and messiah of farmers, who dedicated his life for the upliftment of villages, farmers, oppressed, and deprived, is commendable. He was a seeker of democracy in a true sense. This honour is a recognition of his unparalleled contributions to nation-building," over announcement of Bharat Ratna for former Prime Ministers Chaudhary Charan Singh, P.V. Narasimha Rao, and agricultural scientist MS Swaminathan
Haryana's Home Minister, Anil Vij, assured that the state's law and order would be maintained and no disruption would be permitted
Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice President, Jagdeep Dhankhar, on Saturday charged at the Leader of the Opposition, Mallikarjun Kharge. He accused Congress leaders of disrespecting Bharat Ratna awardee Chaudhary Charan Singh, thereby causing distress to farmers across the country. He said "You virtually insulted Chaudhary Charan Singh; you insulted his legacy. You had no time for Bharat Ratna Chaudhary Charan Singh. You are hurting every farmer in the country by creating such an environment inside the House on the issue of Chaudhary Charan Singh. Our heads should go in shame."
Farmers have listed 10 demands and will lead a march to Delhi on February 13 as their protest on Thursday, February 8, gave no result. Some of these demands are legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP), implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations, pensions for farmers and farm labourers, farm debt waiver, withdrawal of police cases and "justice" for victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence.
The Ambala district magistrate has enforced Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) across the district. Meanwhile, the district administration called upon 400 village ‘Sarpanches’ to refrain from participating in the protest.
Farmer unions in Ambala have also been making preparations for the 'Delhi Chalo' march that will take place on February 13.
Moreover, meetings are being conducted by these farmer unions in various villages. these unions are also arranging food items to carry along with them while marching toward Delhi.
Punjab police directed petrol pump dealers in Ambala to refrain from giving fuel to those vehicles that were sporting farmer's union flags on their vehicles.
A senior police official in Jind district said that they have arranged barbed wire, containers, barricades and concrete blocks to seal the entry point from Punjab, reported PTI. Punjab police stationed at Shambhu border in Ambala is prepared to prevent these protesters from marching towards the national capital.
Haryana Police DGP, Shatrujeet Kapur, in a social media post on X urged people to maintain peace and tranquillity and strict action will be taken against those who disrupt peace.
Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee general secretary, Sarwan Singh Pandher condemned the Haryana government. Sarwan Singh Pandher alleged that Haryana police was "raiding" the houses of farmer leaders and threatening them. He further mentioned that the Punjab-Haryana border was being sealed like an international border.
Ahead of farmers' proposed 'Delhi Chalo' march on February 13, Haryana Police has deployed 50 companies of central paramilitary forces to maintain law and order in the state with the authorities on Friday asserting that nobody will be allowed to disturb peace and harmony.
The police have asked the farmers not to participate without permission in a planned march next week and have also warned of strict action if they damage public property, they said.
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha had announced 'Delhi Chalo' march by more than 200 farmers' unions on February 13 to press the Centre for accepting several demands, including enactment of a law to guarantee a minimum support price (MSP) for crops.
However, the SKM, which had spearheaded the 2020 farmers' stir against the now-repealed farm laws, was not part of the 'Delhi Chalo' march call.
A three-member team of Union ministers on Thursday evening held a detailed discussion here with the leaders of farmer organisations.
After the meeting, the farmer leaders said the Central ministers have assured them that they would hold a second round of the meeting soon.
However, the farmer leaders said their proposed 'Delhi Chalo' march on February 13 still stands.
A senior Haryana Police officer on Friday told PTI that as many as 50 companies of central paramilitary forces comprising Rapid Action Force and Central Reserve Police Force have been deployed in the state.
"We are making adequate arrangements to maintain law and order," said the officer.
"We had placed the request for deploying 65 companies and we have got 50," the officer added.
"Where these forces need to be deployed we have done that," the officer said on the deployment of forces.
Home Minister Anil Vij said the Haryana Police have made fool proof arrangements and nobody will be allowed to disturb peace in the state.(PTI)
Bracing for another agitation by farmers, police are fortifying the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh and Delhi-Haryana borders with barricades and deploying more than 5,000 security personnel, a senior police officer said here on Friday.
On Thursday, farmers from Uttar Pradesh went on a sit-in demonstration on the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway as police blocked their protest march to Delhi, resulting in massive traffic chaos.
Several farmer associations, mostly from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab, have called for another protest on February 13 to demand a law guaranteeing a minimum support price (MSP), one of the conditions they had set when they agreed to withdraw their agitation against the now repealed farm laws in 2021.
Besides a legal guarantee for an MSP, the farmers are also demanding implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations, pensions for farmers and farm labourers, farm debt waiver, withdrawal of police cases and "justice" for victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence. (PTI)
Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh on Friday accused the Centre of breaking its promise to farmers and not giving legal status to the minimum support price to farmers based on the 'Swaminathan formula'.
This comes after the Central Government announced Bharat Ratna to former prime ministers PV Narasimha Rao, Chaudhary Charan Singh, and agricultural scientist MS Swaminathan.
"Modi government is silent on giving legal status to the minimum support price to farmers based on Dr Swaminathan formula. Due to the stubbornness of Prime Minister Modi, 700 farmers were martyred during the movement, but the government broke its promise to the farmers," Ramesh said in a post on 'X'.
Reminding the government of the farmers' protest in 2020, Ramesh said that farmers are ready to start another march to Delhi.
"Even today, the farmers are ready to march to Delhi, but the government is not listening," he said. (ANI)
The centre has released about ₹15,948 crore under different schemes in the last five years till January 31 to various sugar mills to improve their liquidity for clearing cane price dues of farmers, Parliament was informed on Friday.
Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Anupriya Patel said the central government, with a view to improve liquidity of the sugar mills enabling them to clear cane price dues of farmers, has announced these schemes in the last five years. (PTI)
