After Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement to repeal the three contentious farm laws , the Samyukt Kisan Morcha announced mobilisation of large number of farmers to protest sites on November 26 to mark the first anniversary of anti-farm law agitation being intensified.
Also read |Analysis: Decision seen as fallout of farmers’ protests in poll-bound U.P., Punjab
Although they welcomed the announcement by Mr. Modi, farmers however said that they will continue their agitation until the government withdraws the three laws in the Parliament. Minister of State for Agriculture Kailash Choudhary urged them to return home and not be adamant as the Centre has met their demand of repealing three farm laws.
Also read: Explained | How to repeal a law?
Opposition in Andhra Pradesh hails decision
Telugu Desam Party national president and former Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to withdraw the three agriculture laws that were enacted in Parliament in September last year.
In another statement, CPI(M) State secretary P. Madhu said it was a victory for farmers. The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI(M)) congratulated the farmers on their victory. Their unrelenting fight against the “black laws” compelled the Union government to withdraw the farm laws.
Modi's decision 'seems to be right', says RSS-affiliated farmers' body
RSS-affiliate Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) on Friday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to repeal the three farm laws "seems to be right" to avoid "unwarranted controversies and conflicts".
It, however, lashed out at the farmer leaders, saying their "arrogant attitude" to continue with their protest was not beneficial for small farmers.
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha, an umbrella body of farm unions, spearheading the agitation against the three agriculture laws, has welcomed the Prime Minister's decision but said they will wait for the announcement to take effect through due parliamentary procedures. - PTI
Much delayed step, says Channi, promises memorial in name of agitation
Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Thursday dubbed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement of repealing farm laws as "much delayed but welcome step" and also promised to construct a memorial in the name of farmers' agitation in the state.
Mr. Channi said had Modi taken this decision much earlier, several precious lives would have been saved.
Blaming the Centre for "thrusting these black farm laws arbitrarily" on the farmers, Mr. Channi said, "The BJP-led central government should admit on record to have made an Himalayan blunder in bringing these bills for which it hardly bothered to even relent for the past one and half years." Farmer leaders claimed that nearly 700 farmers lost their lives during the agitation against the Centre's farm laws. - PTI
Veerappa Moily demands compensation of ₹25 lakh to families of those who lost lives
Senior Congress leader M. Veerappa Moily on Friday demanded that the government pay a compensation of ₹25 lakh each to the families of those who lost their lives in the farmers agitation, and also provide adequate compensation for the "loss of livelihood of lakhs" of tillers.
In a statement, the former Union Minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has bowed down to the demands of the farmers to announce the repeal of the three farm bills which were "atrocious and dictatorial". Who will answer for the loss of lives and also the loss of livelihood of lakhs of farmers for the last one-and-a-half years, Moily asked. - PTI
PM’s farm law repeal on Indira Gandhi birth anniversary marks success for Congress: Chellakumar
Odisha Congress in-charge A. Chellakumar, during a meeting in Bhubaneswar, said that the battle against the contentious laws by farmers over the past year has finally borne fruit.
"On the birth anniversary of late prime minister Indira Gandhiji, the announcement for withdrawal of three anti-farmer laws was made. It is a victory for the Congress, which had been opposing the legislations. The credit for the battle and the struggle that led to the revocation of the laws has to go to the farmers," he pointed out.
Over 700 lives were lost during the course of the agitation, Mr. Chellakumar noted. - PTI
'Capitalist-dependant' Modi Government created mistrust, says Lalu Prasad
RJD supremo Lalu Prasad accused the "capitalist-dependant" Narendra Modi government of creating an atmosphere of "mistrust" with its description of agitating farmers as "terrorists and anti-national".
"The capitalist-dependant government and its Ministers called farmers terrorists, Khalistani and anti-national in order to destroy the country's unity and harmony. They (the government) created an atmosphere of mistrust in majority of the working class (shramjivi) people," he wrote on Twitter in Hindi. - PTI
‘Repeal of farm laws, a big victory for farmers’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement on repealing of three farm laws was a big victory for the relentless protests of farmers in New Delhi, said State president of All India Agricultural Workers Union A. Lazar.
Political parties in Kerala hail farmer’s victory
Non-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) parties in Kerala have hailed the Centre’s decision to withdraw the controversial agriculture reform laws as a decisive victory for the agitating farmers in North India.
Some parties keep farmers entangled in problems: Modi criticises Opposition
Speaking in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh soon after he announced the withdrawal of the contentious three farm laws, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched an attack on Opposition parties and said keeping farmers entangled in problems has been the basis of some parties.
Farmers stir upsets political equations in Haryana
The unexpected announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday to repeal the three controversial farm laws — largely seen as guided by the political compulsions due to upcoming elections in northern States — seems to have come “a little too late” for the ruling coalition in Haryana to win back the farming community, mostly the Jats. The “damage has already been done”, say political analysts.
Mixed reaction by netizens
Some hailed the Union government's decision of repealing the farm laws as a "victory" of farmers and others called it a "slap" on reforms. The divided reactions of people over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement on Friday came fast and thick on Twitter.
After over a year of agitation by farmers against the contentious agri laws, the Prime Minister announced his government has decided to repeal the three legislations. - PTI
Repeal two farm laws passed in Karnataka last year, says farmers' body
Buoyed by the repealing of three farm laws by the Centre, the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha, a farmers' body, on Friday put forth a demand to withdraw the Karnataka APMC (Amendment) Act and the Karnataka Land Reforms (Amendment) Act, which were introduced previous year.
The Sangha convenor Kodihalli Chandrashekar said if the two laws were not repealed in Karnataka, they would stage a Statewide highway blockade on November 26.
The two laws were passed despite protest by the opposition Congress in 2020.
The APMC Act allows farmers to sell their produce outside the Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC).
The Land Reforms Amendment Act allows anyone to purchase agriculture land, which was earlier restricted to those with agriculture background and had an agriculture land. - PTI
Victory of people's struggle, PM should apologise, say Left parties
The Left parties on Friday termed the Union government's decision to repeal the three contentious farm laws a "victory of the people's struggle" and indicated that this was just the beginning of the protests against the "anti-people policies" of this dispensation.
CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury demanded an apology from Mr. Modi over the death of farmers during the protest.
CPI MP Binoy Viswam, in a video message, said farmers have won the battle against the government. - PTI
Poll fear made PM Modi revoke farm laws: Akhilesh Yadav
Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav on Friday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to repeal the three new farm laws was taken due to the fear of losing the coming Uttar Pradesh polls.
Mr. Yadav, whose party is the chief Opposition party in the State, stated that the BJP was rattled by the massive turnout in favour of the SP.
‘Just one step’, says BKU
Describing the repeal of farm laws as just “one step” towards resolving farmers’ demands, the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) said on Friday that they would take a call on the future course of the agitation only after the Samyukt Kisan Morcha meeting on Saturday.
“Our demand for a law on guaranteed MSP is still pending. The promise of forming a committee will not do. We will wait for clarity on other issues and the repeal of the laws in the Parliament,” general secretary of BKU Yudhvir Singh told The Hindu .
Workers' union of railways hails Centre's decision
The railways' largest workers' union, All India Railway Men's Federation (AIRF), has hailed the Centre's decision to repeal three farm laws and said this was possible only because of the unity among the farmers protesting against the legislations.
The farmers' struggle, which was supported by the rail union, achieved a huge victory on Friday when Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the repeal of the three laws.
"It is only because of the long struggle and unity of the farmers that the government had to repeal the laws. The farmers' struggle for over a year was supported by us and with the cancellation of these agricultural bills, farmers will get the right price for their produce and more and more options to sell the produce...these bills were unconstitutional from the beginning. - PTI
SKM welcomes PM's announcement, to decide future course of action on Sunday
In a statement, the SKM welcomed the government's decision to repeal the three laws. "We hope that the government will not let its announcement go waste and go full length to fulfil our demands, including legislation to guarantee MSP," it said. The farmers' body said that if the farm laws are formally repealed, it will be a "historic victory" for the farmers who struggled for a year.
The SKM, however, underlined that, "Mobilisation of a large number of farmers to protest sites on November 26 to mark the first anniversary of the agitation is being intensified." Thousands of farmers from Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh under the aegis of various farmers unions have been protesting at the borders of the national capital since November 26 last year to demand repeal of the three farm laws. In his address to the nation on the occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti, Modi said the three farm laws will be repealed in the coming Winter Session of Parliament. - PTI
Don't be adamant, return home: Mos Agri to farmers deciding to continue protest over MSP
With farmers deciding to continue their protest till there is a legal guarantee for MSP, Minister of State for Agriculture Kailash Choudhary on Friday urged them to return home and not be adamant as the Centre has met their demand of repealing three farm laws.
Speaking to PTI , Mr. Choudhary said the three central farm laws were brought in the interest of the farmers after a demand for such legislations since a long time. Even the previous governments had tried to bring these laws, he noted.
However, a section of the farming community did not try to understand these laws despite several rounds of discussions between the government and key representatives of the farmers' unions, he said.
"Even after the discussion, they did not try to understand these laws. I feel that we could not be successful in convincing some farmers. Therefore, the PM with a big heart took a historic decision to repeal the three farm laws," Mr. Choudhary said. - PTI
Government has always taken steps in the interest of the farmers: Manohar Lal Khattar
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Friday said the decision to repeal the three farm laws was not taken “overnight” and linking it to elections was not justified.
“This decision was not taken overnight. Talks have been going on for a long time and a lot of effort has been put in for this. Linking this decision with elections is not logical or justified. Elections come and go,” he said to a question.
Film personalities welcome government's decision, hail farmers for their perseverance
Sonu Sood termed the news as wonderful and not only thanked Mr. Modi. Mr. Soon also thanked farmers for holding a peaceful protest.
“This is a wonderful news! Thank you, @narendramodi ji, @PMOIndia, for taking back the farm laws. Thank you, farmers, for raising just demands through peaceful protests. Hope you will happily return to be with your families on the Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji today,” he said in a tweet.
Sharing a photo of farmers, actor-politician Urmila Matondkar expressed her joy over the decision.
“Victory requires passion, who needs blood that boils, this sky will also come on the ground, only intentions are needed that echo of victory. #Kisaanandolaan Zindabad. Happy for my farmer brothers and sisters. Salute to the martyr farmers #Jaikisaan always always,” she wrote.
Richa Chadha, 34, posted a photo of her wearing a T-shirt which has a farmer on it and said it will be her outfit of the day.
“Sarbat da bhala! #OOTD,” she said.
Taapsee Pannu shared a news clip, which stated, ‘PM says 3 farm laws to be withdrawn’ and captioned it: “Also….. Gurpurab diyaan sab nu vadhaiyaan.” Actor Gul Panag said it was a lesson for the future governments to engage with all the stake holders when bringing about reform.
“I wish we didn’t have to let the impasse last this long, cause so many lives to be lost. And demonise, debase, delegitimise the Farm Protest and the protestors. #Farmlawsrepealed,” she wrote.
She also expressed her anguish over how farmers were called hooligans, anti-nationals, terrorists, saying this will not be forgotten and forgiven.
Dia Mirza tweeted, “Jai Kisaan #GuruPurab.” Filmmaker Hansal Mehta said it is time to celebrate the determination and perseverance of farmers.
"Let's celebrate the farmers, their grit and their perseverance today,” he tweeted.
Actor Ranvir Shorey, said, "In the end, politics & politicians are the winners. In #India, they always are. #BharatBananaHai.” Congratulating the farmers, actor Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub expressed his joy on social media.
“Many many congratulations to farmer friends and all supporters!! We fought comrades, we won comrades! If you try, you will win sometime!! #FarmersProtest #Farmlawsrepealed,” he said.
Filmmaker Onir welcomed the decision but also said one must not forget all those people who lost their lives amidst the protest.
“jai ho #kisanandolan #FarmersProtest. The beat thing I have heard in a long long time. But DO NOT FORGET all the lives lost in this long battle,” he added.
"Sign of a true democracy is when opposing groups come together for the greater harmony of the country! Happy that the govt has decided to call off the stand off & repeal for rework the #farmlaws & bring about peace. Let’s all celebrate in this spirit of Gurupurab Folded hands#GuruNanakJayanti," actor Randeep Hooda said.
Kangana Ranaut had a different view
In her Instagram stories, the actor expressed her displeasure over the government's decision to repeal the three farm laws. "Sad, shameful and absolutely unfair,” she said.
"If people on the street have started to make laws and not the chosen government in the parliament then even this is a jihadi nation… Congratulations to all who wanted it like this," she wrote, in response to a social media user, who hailed the move. - PTI
Mobilisation of large number of farmers to protest sites on November 26: SKM
Samyukt Kisan Morcha announced mobilisation of large number of farmers to protest sites on November 26 to mark the first anniversary of anti-farm law agitation being intensified. - PTI
Today is the victory of truth, justice and non-violence: Sania Gandhi
Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Friday said after almost 12 months of Gandhian agitation, the repeal of three farm laws is a "victory of the will of 62 crore farmers and sacrifices of more than 700 farmers who laid their lives for this struggle", and hoped that the BJP government would have drawn some lessons for future.
"I hope the Prime Minister and the BJP government will leave their stubbornness and arrogance and will focus on implementing policies of farmers welfare, will ensure MSP for them and will evolve a consensus with state governments, farmer organizations and opposition parties before taking any such step in future," she said.
The Congress chief said, "after almost 12 months of Gandhian agitation, today is the victory of the struggle and will of 62 crore farmers and farm labourers and the sacrifice of more than 700 farmers who laid their lives for this struggle and their families have paid. Today is the victory of truth, justice and non-violence." - PTI
Withdrawal of farm laws impelled by fear of elections: Chidambaram
Calling the Centre's decision to repeal the farm laws as a "great victory for the farmers and the Congress", senior party leader P. Chidambaram on Friday took a dig at the government, saying the move was not inspired by a change of heart but impelled by "fear of elections".
Victory for farmers, democracy and nation: Kanimozhi
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Ms. Kanimozhi said the DMK and its allies, even before returning to power in last May, were extending unstinted support to the farmers protesting against the controversial Farm Laws, which had been enacted "with the prime objective of helping the corporate while decimating the growers". Hence, on coming to power, the DMK had passed resolution against these laws in Tamil Nadu Assembly.
Timeline of farmers' protest against three farm laws
June 5, 2020: The government promulgates three ordinances.
September 14, 2020: Three farm bills brought to Parliament.
September 15, 17, 2020: The bills are passed in Lok Sabha.
September 20, 22, 2020: The bills are passed in Rajya Sabha by voice vote.
September 24, 2020: Farmers in Punjab announce a three-day rail roko.
September 25, 2020: Farmers across India come out in protest in response to a call by the All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee.
September 26, 2020: The Shiromani Akali Dal quits the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance over the farm bills.
September 27, 2020: Farm bills notified in the Gazette of India and become farm laws after the president's assent.
November 25, 2020: Farmers' unions in Punjab and Haryana give the call for a 'Delhi Chalo' movement; denied permission by Delhi Police due to Covid protocols.
November 26, 2020: Farmers marching towards Delhi face water cannons, tear gas as police tried to disperse them at Haryana's Ambala district.
November 28, 2020: Union Home Minister Amit Shah offers talks with farmers as soon as they vacate Delhi's borders and move to the designated protest site in Burari. However, farmers rejected his offer.
December 3, 2020: Government holds first round of talks with representatives of farmers but the meeting remains inconclusive.
December 5, 2020: Second round of talks between farmers and the Centre also remains inconclusive.
December 8, 2020: Farmers call for Bharat Bandh. Farmers from other states also gave their support to the call.
December 9, 2020: Farmer leaders reject the Union government's proposal to amend the three laws.
December 11, 2020: Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) moves the Supreme Court against the agri laws.
December 13, 2020: Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad allege hanlawwsd of 'tukde tukde' gang in the farmers' protests.
December 30, 2020: Sixth round of talks between government and farmer leaders see some headway.
January 4, 2021: Seventh round of talks between government and farmer leaders also remain inconclusive with the Centre not agreeing to repeal the farm laws.
January 7, 2021: The SC agrees to hear petitions challenging the new laws and those against the protests on January 11.
January 11, 2021: The SC raps the Centre for its handling of the farmers' protest.
January 12, 2021: The SC stays implementation of the farm laws; sets up a four-member committee to make recommendations on the laws.
January 26, 2021: On Republic Day, thousands of protestors clash with police during the tractor parade called by farmer unions. At Red Fort, property is damaged. A protester dies in the chaos.
January 29, 2021: Government proposes to suspend the farm laws for one-and-half years and sets up a joint committee to discuss the legislation. The farmers, reject the proposal.
February 5, 2021: The Delhi Police's cybercrime cell registers an FIR against creators of a 'toolkit' on farmer protests, which was shared by teen environmentalist Greta Thunberg.
February 6, 2021: Protesting farmers hold a nationwide 'Chakka Jam', or road blockade, for three hours from 12 noon to 3 pm.
March 6, 2021: Farmers complete 100 days at Delhi's borders.
March 8, 2021: Gunshots are fired near the Singhu border protest site. No one is injured.
April 15, 2021: Haryana Deputy CM Dushyant Chautala writes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him to resume talks with farmers.
May 27, 2021: Farmers observe a 'black day' to mark six months of the agitation, and burn effigies of the government.
June 5, 2021: Protesting farmers observe Sampoorn Krantikari Diwas (total revolution day) to mark the first year of the promulgation of the farm laws.
June 26, 2021: Farmers march to Delhi to mark seven months of protest against the farm laws.
July 22, 2021: About 200 protesting farmers start a parallel "Monsoon Session", Kisan Sansad, near the Parliament House.
August 7, 2021: Leaders of 14 opposition parties meet at Parliament House and decide to visit Kisan Sansad at Delhi's Jantar Mantar.
September 5, 2021: Months to go for the Uttar Pradesh election, challenging the BJP-led NDA, farmer leaders stage a major show of strength in Muzaffarnagar.
October 22, 2021: The SC observes it was not against people's right to protest even on matters that are sub-judice but makes it clear that such protesters cannot block public roads indefinitely.
October 29, 2021: The Delhi Police starts removing barricades from Ghazipur border where farmers have been protesting.
November 19, 2021: PM Narendra Modi announces the repeal of the farm laws.
November 19, 2021: Farmer leaders say struggle not over, will push for law to guarantee MSP; wait for repeal of laws in Parliament. - PTI
Sacrifice of farmers who died during stir pays off, say their kin
A 55-year-old Ferozepur woman who lost her 23-year-old son during the farmers' agitation against the Centre's three farm laws on Friday said his soul must be at peace now after Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the announcement to repeal the legislations.
Lovejeet Singh was among around 700 farmers who lost their lives during the farmers' stir, according to leaders of the protesting unions.
These farmers died because of various reasons, including harsh winter, road accidents, cardiac arrest and ailments.
Five farmers hailing from Punjab's Ferozepur district lost their lives during the agitation at the Delhi borders.
Though the families of the deceased farmers expressed satisfaction over the announcement of the farm laws' repeal, one of the major demands of the protesters, they said the loss of their family members cannot ever be compensated.
Ninder Kaur (55), a resident of Village Sawai ke in Mamdot block in Ferozepur, said her son Lovejeet Singh died at the Singhu border protest site. he died of fever.
"He was supporting the agitation from day one and used to tell me that the farmers will definitely win some day. His soul must be at peace after this news,” she said.
Gurmit Kaur (58), a resident of village Pipli Chak in Guruharsahai sub-division, said her husband Jarnail Singh (60) died due to cardiac arrest at the Singhu border in June this year.
"His sacrifice has finally paid off as the union government decided to repeal the agri-laws. I am so happy that farmers who were fighting for their rights have finally won on the sacred day (on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev," said Gurmit Kaur.
Satnam Singh Pannu, Punjab state president of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, said this day will etched in history.
"We were not fighting for ourselves. We were fighting for the generations to come. Though we lost our few members, the entire nation will always be grateful to them," he said. - PTI
"Better late than never" says Kisan Congress leader
All India Kisan Congress leader Rakesh Kumar Singh on Friday welcomed the Centre's decision to repeal the new farm laws saying "better late than never".
"Although it has been done in view of coming polls, it is better late than never," Mr. Singh said in a tweet. - PTI
Owaisi congratulates farmers' agitation
Congratulating the farmers for their agitation against the three farm laws, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi on Friday claimed that the move was keeping in view the upcoming Uttar Pradesh and Punjab Assembly elections.
He also claimed that "700 + farmers" would not have lost their lives if the government was not so stubborn.
"#FarmLaws were unconstitutional from start. Govt's ego forced farmers to hit the streets; if govt wasn't so childishly stubborn, 700+ farmers wouldn't have lost their lives. Congrats to kisan andolan. Modi had seen writing on the wall in UP&Punjab, was left with no choice," Mr. Owaisi tweeted. - PTI
Farmers at Delhi borders celebrate but say they won't budge till Parliament repeals farm laws
Farmers performed special 'yagnas' and danced to drum beats as celebrations broke out at the Ghazipur, Tikri and Singhu border points on Friday soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced repealing of the farm laws.
The protesters were, however, wary about the implementation of the announcement and asserted they would not budge till the contentious laws were revoked in Parliament and there is a favourable decision on minimum support price (MSP). - PTI
Nitish Kumar refuses to react saying it is PM's decision
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, whose party is an ally of the BJP in Bihar and at the Centre, and who had always spoken in support of the three contentious farm laws, was guarded in his response to the announcement of their withdrawal saying the decision was taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Decision with eye on polls: Sharad Pawar; says farmers' struggle can't be forgotten
NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Friday said the BJP-led central government decided to withdraw three farm laws fearing backlash in upcoming elections in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, and hailed the protesting farmers, saying their year-long struggle against the legislations would not be forgotten.
He also slammed the Centre for introducing the three farm bills and getting them passed "in haste" without any discussion and without taking state governments into confidence.
Talking to reporters in Chandrapur district of Maharashtra, Pawar said, "When I was the agriculture minister for 10 years, the issue of farm laws was raised in Parliament by the BJP, which was in the opposition at that time. I had made a commitment that farming is a state subject and hence we would not like to take any decision without taking states into confidence or without discussion." "I had personally taken a two-day meeting with agriculture ministers of all states as well as chief ministers, held detailed discussions with them and noted down suggestions given by them. Similarly, opinions were also sought from agriculture universities in the country as well as from some farmers organisations. We were about to start the process of making farm laws, but the tenure of our government ended and the new dispensation came to power," he said. - PTI
Victory of 'andolnajivi farmers', says AAP taking a dig at PM
The AAP on Friday called the Centre's decision to repeal three farm laws a victory of farmers over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "egoistic" government, with party MP Sanjay Singh demanding that the government pay a compensation of ₹1 crore and provide a job to the kin of the farmers who died during the protests against the legislations.
In a video message, Mr. Singh also demanded that the Centre give status of "martyr" to each of those farmers who "sacrificed their lives" while protesting against the "three black laws".
"The government has decided to withdraw the three black farm laws because of the their (BJP's) defeat in elections. Farmers and the people were teaching them lessons in elections. Narendra Modi's egoistic government had to eventually bow down before the long struggle, strength and sacrifice of the farmers," Mr. Singh said.
He congratulated the farmers on the "success" of their struggle and took a swipe at Modi, saying the government's decision to repeal the three farm laws is "a victory of Andolanjivi farmers and defeat of Chunavjivi Modi government". - PTI
BJP leaders laud Modi's statesmanship
The BJP on Friday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement to repeal the three farm laws as a "statesmanlike" move that will further the atmosphere of brotherhood across the country.
Home Minister Amit Shah said what is unique about Modi's announcement is that he picked the special day of 'Guru Purab' to make this. "It also shows there is no other thought except the welfare of each and every Indian for him. He has shown remarkable statesmanship," he said.
Welcoming the announcement, BJP president J P Nadda noted that it was made on the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.
Another senior party leader and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said Modi took the big decision in farmers' interests and to respect their sentiments. - PTI
Defeat of BJP's arrogance, Rahul Gandhi proved correct: Adhir Chowdhury
Describing the Centre's decision to withdraw the three farm laws as "defeat of BJP's arrogance", Leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha Adhir Chowdhury on Friday said the BJP government "swallowed the humble pie" sensing ominous outcome in the upcoming assembly polls.
Chowdhury, also a member of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), said the party's senior leader Rahul Gandhi had earlier predicted that the Centre would be forced to withdraw the three laws, and his "prophecy" has been fulfilled.
"It is indeed a historic victory for the farmers. Since Independence, the country has never witnessed such a massive protest by farmers. The BJP initially thought this protest would fizzle out, as it believes that it is the only disciplined political force in the country.
"The BJP and our prime minister misjudged the fighting spirit of the farmers. This is a defeat of BJP’s arrogance," Chowdhury told PTI.
TN parties welcome the decision
Several regional parties including the Dravidar Kazhagan, Pattali Makkal Katchi, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and Naam Tamilar Katchi on Friday welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government's decision to repeal the three farm laws and hailed it as victory for the protesting farmers.
End dharnas, return home: Haryana Minister Vij
Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij on Friday asked farmers' outfits to express gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his announcement to repeal the farm laws.
“All farmers' organisations should express their gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his announcement to withdraw all three agriculture laws on the occasion of Guru Nanak Dev's Parkash Utsav. They should immediately end their dharnas, return home and carry out their regular work,” Vij tweeted in Hindi.
Addressing the nation on the occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the three laws were introduced for the benefit of farmers but "we couldn't convince a section of farmers despite best efforts".
The goal of the three farm laws was to empower farmers, especially small farmers, he said.
Decision to repeal will harm small and medium farmers, says BKS
RSS-affiliated farmers group Bharatiya Kisan Sangh has opposed the government's decision to repeal the farm laws, saying it would result in "long term damage" to farmers' interests. "Because of the stubbornness of these so-called farmers, there is bound to be long-term damage for farmers. The reforms brought about by these laws would have especially benefited small and medium farmers," the BKS said in a statement. The group has previously said the laws needed some amendments, but not a repeal. .
BJP's bypoll losses behind the decision: TNCC chief
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement about repealing the three central Farm Laws in the upcoming session of Parliament was a result of the losses faced by the BJP in the recent bye-polls, the [fear of facing] upcoming elections to five State Assemblies and the anger among the farmers following the Lakhimpur Kheri incident, TNCC president K.S. Alagiri said on Friday.
“This is absolutely an opportunistic move on the part of the Prime Minister. He has acted with some other intentions in mind,” Mr. Alagiri charged.
However, he congratulated the farmers' unions who have been protesting against the Laws and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi who has been supporting the farmers, for this victory.
Shah hails PM's 'statesman-like' decision
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "statesman-like" decision to repeal the three farm laws, and said it reflects that there is no other thought except the welfare of each and every Indian for the PM.
Prime Minister Modi this morning announced a rollback of the three agri laws at the centre of protests by farmers for the past year.
"PM @narendramodi's announcement relating to the farm laws is a welcome and statesmanlike move.As the Prime Minister pointed out in his address, the Government of India will keep serving our farmers and always support them in their endeavours," he tweeted.
The home minister said what is unique about the prime minister's announcement is that he picked the special day of Gurupurab to make this announcement.
"It also shows there is no other thought except the welfare of each and every Indian for him. He has shown remarkable statesmanship," he said.
Centre's decision 'too late': Mayawati
Bahujan Samajwadi Party (BSP) chief Mayawati congratulated farmers but termed the central government's move a "very late one".
The BSP supremo also demanded framing a law to assure support price for farmers' produce and financial compensation for the kin of farmers who lost their lives during the protest against the three contentious laws.
"The sacrifices of the farmers have paid off. The government in the end withdrew the three controversial laws though it is too late," Ms. Mayawati told reporters.
This decision should have come earlier so that several issues the country is plagued with could have been warded off, she said.
"The demand for a national law to assure support price for farmers' produce is still pending. The BSP demands that it should be introduced in the Winter Session of Parliament. The government should accept this demand," she said.
'Really magnanimous': Edible oil industry
Edible oil industry body Solvent Extractors' Association of India on Friday said it was "really magnanimous" on part of the Prime Minister to announce repeal of the three farm laws but said that reforms were necessary for Indian agriculture sector to become competitive and improve farmers income.
"With hardened opposition stand of the farmers for whose benefits these farm laws were designed it was really magnanimous on part of our Prime Minister to announce its withdrawal," said Atul Chaturvedi President, SEA of India.
He said the agriculture sector is crying for massive reforms if it has to become competitive and improve farm incomes.
"Current high MSP (minimum support price) can never be sustainable as it would hurt consumers," Mr. Chaturvedi said.
India's farm productivity levels, which are less than 50 per cent of world average in practically all agri commodities, have to go up to improve rural incomes, he added.
"We only hope agri reforms in more politically acceptable manner should continue to be implemented," the SEA president said.
Kalyan Goswami, Director General, Agro Chem Federation of India (ACFI), welcomed the government's decision to repeal the three farm Laws as it would help to break the ongoing impasse.
"We also appreciate the Prime Minister for his commitment to provide good quality seeds to the farmers, easy claim for damages and offering right price to the farmers for their produce. While the budget allocation on Agriculture has increased by five times since 2014, we expect the financial situation of the farmers to improve steadily," Mr. Goswami said.
Film personalities welcome govt's decision
Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government's decision to repeal the three farm laws was welcomed by various cine personalities including actors Sonu Sood, Urmila Matondkar, Taapsee Pannu and Richa Chadha.
Sonu Sood termed the news as wonderful and not only thanked Modi but farmers also for holding a peaceful protest.
“This is a wonderful news! Thank you, @narendramodi ji, @PMOIndia, for taking back the farm laws. Thank you, farmers, for raising just demands through peaceful protests. Hope you will happily return to be with your families on the Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji today,” he said in a tweet.
Sharing a photo of farmers, actor-politician Matondkar expressed her joy over the decision.
“Victory requires passion, who needs blood that boils, this sky will also come on the ground, only intentions are needed that echo of victory. #Kisaanandolaan Zindabad. Happy for my farmer brothers and sisters. Salute to the martyr farmers #Jaikisaan always always,” she wrote.
Chadha, 34, posted a photo of her wearing a T-shirt which has a farmer on it and said it will be her outfit of the day.
“Sarbat da bhala! #OOTD,” she said.
Pannu shared a news clip, which stated, ‘PM says 3 farm laws to be withdrawn’ and captioned it: “Also….. Gurpurab diyaan sab nu vadhaiyaan.” Actor Gul Panag said it was a lesson for the future governments to engage with all the stake holders when bringing about reform.
“I wish we didn’t have to let the impasse last this long, cause so many lives to be lost. And demonise, debase, delegitimise the Farm Protest and the protestors. #Farmlawsrepealed,” she wrote.
“Let this be a lesson for future Governments to find the means & the will, to engage with all stake holders when bringing about reform. And also a lesson for law makers -that legislative procedure can’t be circumvented by passing laws in minutes, without discussion & debate,” she added.
Siddaramiah demands ₹25 lakh to victims' families
Leader of the Opposition in Karnataka Legislative Assembly Siddaramaiah termed repeal of three farm laws by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the victory for democracy, and demanded the Centre to announce ₹25 lakh to family members of deceased farmers during the year-long protest against farm laws.
“Now that BJP India has finally realized its mistake and withdrawn anti-farm laws. It is time to give justice to the farmers who were martyred during the struggle. I urge the Prime Minister to announce Rs 25 lakh to the deceased farmers. Farmers have finally got their independence!," Mr. Siddaramaiah tweeted.
“This is the outcome of democracy!! No matter how strong a dictator is, he will have to finally bow down to people in democracy. Freedom for Farmers!!”, the Congress leader tweeted.
KPCC president D K Shivakumar, who is the national capital, termed the withdrawal of farm laws as a victory for the farmers and Congress. He demanded compensation to family members of farmers who lost their lives during the protest and government jobs for their children.
Prime Minister must apologise: CPI (M)
The CPI(M) on Friday demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should apologise for the hardship and trouble caused by his "dictatorial step" of enacting the three farm laws.
“The quest for justice for those targeted by the government and its agencies through false cases will continue. The PM must apologise for the hardship and trouble caused by his dictatorial step of farm laws to benefit his crony business partners," CPI (M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury in a tweet.
“Salutes to our farmers and their brave struggle which has led to the repeal of Modi’s three black farm laws. We must not forget the sacrifice of more than 750 farmers who have lost their lives in this struggle,” he said.
Decision not related to polls: Karnataka CM Bommai
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Friday denied that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to repeal the three contentious farms laws had anything to do with the forthcoming elections in five states.
"We had won by-elections even in the midst of protests. The decision has no connection with the election in five states. The Prime Minister felt that some more discussions were necessary and accordingly, the government felt that withdrawing the farm laws will build confidence among people," Mr. Bommai explained. It showed the PM's sensitivity, he said.
"The Prime Minister has announced withdrawing all the three laws in the upcoming parliament session. It is a sensitive government. We have responded to the farmers' demand," Mr. Bommai said.
Rejecting the claim that the government bowed to the year-long protest, Mr. Bommai said that the three laws were part of the liberalisation and globalisation process started in 1991-92 and were in line with the previous United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government's agreement with the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
"It is not a question of bowing. This process of liberalisation and globalisation started in 1991-'92. As part of it, various laws were to be formulated. Further, the UPA government had signed an agreement with the WTO. Agriculture Reforms and the Agriculture Marketing Reforms were also part of it," Mr. Bommai claimed.
According to him, the draft bill was pending during the UPA government and a decision was taken after bringing certain changes and taking consensus of all the states to give proper returns to the farmers.
"However, the farmers of Punjab, Haryana and other states insisted for a regulated market system and held protests for one year," Mr. Bommai said.
Victory of farmers' struggle: Punjab AAP chief
Punjab AAP chief Bhagwant Mann on Friday termed the government's announcement to repeal farm laws as a victory of the farmers' struggle, saying it is better late than never.
The Sangrur MP said the government should have withdrawn these three farm laws much earlier, adding that "around 700 farmers lost their lives during the farmers' agitation".
“It is a victory of farmers' struggle,” said Mr. Mann.
The Gandhian movement has shown its strength: Chhattisgarh CM Baghel
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Friday congratulated farmers for "pressuring" the Centre to withdraw the three contentious farm laws, and described the government's announcement as a victory not only of farmers, but also of democracy over injustice.
"The Gandhian movement has once again shown its strength. Congratulations to the farmers of the country for pressuring the Central government to withdraw the three black laws. This is the victory of not only farmers, but also of democracy against injustice," Mr. Baghel tweeted in Hindi.
Power of people is greater than the people in power: TRS
"The power of people is always greater than the people in power," Telangana Minister and TRS working president KT Rama Rao said on Friday reacting to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement on repealing the three farm laws.
"The power of people is always greater than the people in power. Proved once again by the Indian farmers who got what they demanded by their relentless agitation Jai Kisan Jai Jawan," Mr. KTR tweeted.
M.K. Stalin welcomes PM's announcement
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president M.K. Stalin welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to repeal the new farm laws. "I wholeheartedly welcome Hon'ble @PMOIndia 's decision to repeal the three anti-farmer laws. History teaches us that people's wishes shall prevail in a democracy. I congratulate all the farmers & bow down to their determination for having achieved this through Gandhian means," he tweeted.
A defining moment in history, says SAD supremo Badal
Former Punjab Chief Minister and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) patron Parkash Singh Badal on Friday termed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement on the withdrawal of the three farm laws as “a defining moment in history”.
“This is the greatest event in the history of farmer struggles all over the world. I thank the great Guru Nanak Devji Maharaj and congratulate every farmer working hard on his fields,” said Mr. Badal in a statement.
“It was the first time in the history of democratic governments that brazen and cruel laws were made without even taking the stakeholders on board. No govt. should ever do such an insensitive and cruel thing again,” he said.
Victory of democracy: Ashok Gehlot
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday said that the announcement of repealing the three farm laws is a victory of democracy and "defeat" of the arrogance of the Centre.
He also said that it is a victory of the patience of farmers who kept agitating for the last one year. "The announcement of repealing all three black agricultural laws is a victory of democracy and defeat of the arrogance of the Modi government. This is a victory of the patience of the farmers who have been agitating for the last one year. The country can never forget that hundreds of farmers have lost their lives due to the short-sightedness and pride of the Modi government," Mr. Gehlot tweeted.
"I bow to all the farmers who sacrificed their lives in the farmers' movement. This is the victory of their sacrifice," he said.
This is your victory, Mamata tells farmers
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday congratulated farmers for their relentless fight against three farm laws and said they were not fazed by the "cruelty" of the BJP.
"My heartfelt congratulations to every single farmer who fought relentlessly and were not fazed by the cruelty with which @BJP4India treated you. This is YOUR VICTORY! My deepest condolences to everyone who lost their loved ones in this fight. #FarmLaws," Ms. Banerjee tweeted.
Farmers' sacrifice will remain immortal: Arvind Kejriwal
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday welcomed the government's announcement to repeal the contentious farm laws, saying the "sacrifice" of farmers who died protesting against them will remain immortal.
"Such a happy news has been received on Prakash Diwas. The three laws scrapped. More than 700 farmers martyred. Their sacrifice will remain immortal. The coming generations will remember how the farmers of the country saved farming and the farmers by risking their own lives. My tribute to farmers of my country," Mr. Kejriwal tweeted in Hindi.
'A regressive step', says SC-appointed farm panel member
Supreme Court-appointed farm panel member Anil Ghanwat on Friday described as regressive the Central government’s decision to repeal the three farm laws which were at the centre of protests by farmers for the past year.
“This is the most regressive step by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as he chose politics over farmers' betterment,” Mr. Ghanwat told PTI.
“Our panel had submitted several corrections and solutions over the three farm laws, but instead of using it to solve the impasse, Mr. Modi and BJP chose to backtrack. They just want to win elections and nothing else,” he said.
Truth and justice have prevailed: Anand Sharma
While welcoming the Prime Minister’s announcement on repealing the 'ujnjust' farm laws, Congress leader Anand Sharma said the Centre must give up enacting important laws lin a hurry bypassing parliamentary scrutiny and excluding stakeholders from consultations results in confrontation and conflict.
Mr. Sharma called for referring all important bills to Parliamentary standing or select committees for building national consensus.. "Truth and justice have prevailed and farmers protest stand vindicated after much pain, suffering and loss of hundreds of lives," he said.
Historic victory, says SKM
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha, a platform of protesting farm unions has welcomed the decision to repeal three contentious farm laws as a "historic victory", but noted that its struggle includes other demands regarding remunerative prices and electricity rates. It has not yet taken a decision on whether or when to withdraw its year long agitation.
Many leaders across the political spectrum have reacted to the Prime Minister’s announcement on repealing the farm laws.
Modi's 'tactical move' won't help BJP in the elections: Raju Shetti
Remarking that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s repeal of the controversial farm laws that elicited massive countrywide farmer protests proved that democracy was still “alive and well” in the country, farmer leader and Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana (SSS) chief Raju Shetti on Friday said that this ‘tactical move’ would not help swing the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) fortunes in the upcoming Assembly elections in five states.
Speaking to The Hindu from Kolhapur, Mr. Shetti said that the Centre’s backing down in face of collective farmer protests was “a historic occasion”, while contending that Mr. Modi’s announcement to repeal the contentious laws would have made a greater impact had it been done on January 26 this year itself.
“It is now almost a year since farmers from the Punjab, Haryana and other places began their mega-protests, which were peaceful in nature…during this while, the BJP-ruled Centre tried every trick in their book to defame and break the protests movement, and when these failed, tried to incite violence. However, the farmers firmly stood their ground and the Centre had to rollback these anti-farmer laws,” said the SSS chief.
Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS) leader Badgalpura Nagendra said that the development is a proof that Government of the day has to bow and listen to the voice of the people.
Terming it as historic the KRRS leader said despite differences of views on various issues, the country was one and had united against the farm laws forcing the Government to repeal it.
The farmers braved the elements of nature including the scorching heat, biting cold and rain but did not relent and the struggle continued for one year forcing the Government to withdraw the laws, said Mr.Nagendra.
Chamaras Malipatil, Honarary president of Karnataka Rajya Raita Sangh, has said that Centre has taken decision eyeing on the coming assembly elections in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.
Talking over phone, he said " I welcome the decision. However, farmers will continue fight until Centre withdraw the laws by declaring in the sessions" .
BKU national spokesperson Rakesh Tikait : The agitation will not taken back immediately, he says. "We will wait for the laws to be repealed in the Parliament." The government should hold talks on the demand of guaranteed MSP and other farmer issues, he adds.
Kisan Ekta Morcha: #FarmersProtest #KisanMajdoorEktaZindabaad," says a tweet from Kisan Ekta Morcha, the official handle for the Samyukt Kisan Morcha.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi : "Country's annadatas have made arrogance bow its head through satyagraha. Congratulations on this victory against injustice. Jai Hind, Jai Hind ka Kisan."
Mr. Gandhi also tweeted a short video clip of his press interaction on January 14 in which he said,"The government will have to take back these laws. Mark my words".
Haryana Deputy CM Dushyant Chautala : Repeal of farm laws should be seen as gift from PM Modi to protesting farmers on Gurupurab.
Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu: Repealing of black laws a step in the right direction…. Satyagrah of Kisan morcha gets historic success ….You're sacrifice has paid dividends…. Revival of farming in Punjab through a road map should be the top priority for the Punjab govt ….accolades.
Samajwadi Party U.P. president Naresh Uttam: The BJP was forced to take a decision to repeal the three farm laws due to the huge crowds of farmers and youth turning up at the rath yatra of Akhilesh Yadav.
P. Chidambaram : "What cannot be achieved by democratic protests can be achieved by the fear of impending elections! Anyway, it is a great victory for the farmers and for the Congress party which was unwavering in its opposition to the farm laws.
Rashtriya Lok Dal president Jayant Chaudhary: This is a victory of the farmers. We are all one, a victory for the nation.
Former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh : “Great news! Thankful to PM @narendramodi ji for acceding to the demands of every punjabi & repealing the 3 black laws on the pious occasion of #GuruNanakJayanti. I am sure the central govt will continue to work in tandem for the development of Kisani! #NoFarmers_NoFood @AmitShah," Mr. Singh said in a tweet.
9.33 am
BKU Ugrahan faction leader Joginder Singh Ugrahan : Decision to repeal farm laws is a good move by PM Modi. All farmer unions will sit together and decide future course of action.
( With inputs from our Correspondents, agencies)
