New Delhi, December 26, 2020
The latest update on the farmers’ protests in India at the Delhi borders shows the surfacing of doubts by the protestors regarding the misconception of the Agriculture Ministry in understanding their demands.
Is this likely to pave the way for the 6thround of talks in the near future? A brief roundup of the latest developments in the Farmers protests reveals the following:
The decision on the way forward is likely to start setting in form this Saturday, as the farmer union is likely to respond formally to the last letter sent in by the Agriculture Ministry.
On Friday, it was made amply clear by Narendra Modi and a few Union Ministers from his team that repealing the 3 Farm laws as demanded by the farmers was not being considered.
Rajnath Singh, the Union Defence Minister on Friday, tried to convince the agitating farmers to try the new laws on an experimental basis for a few years. He went on to add that if the laws were found to be unhelpful for farmers, the Government would be open to reconsiderations for amendments.
PM Modi, said he would consider the option of speaking to the opposition too if they based their discussions on proven facts. The farmers are keen on reopening talks with the Center since they feel there is a huge gap in understanding between the two parties.
In their most recent communication with the Ministry, the farmers had demanded a higher MSP, but it was summarily dismissed saying that MSP did not fall in the purview of agriculture laws and the 3 bills under discussion. The farmers want a legal guarantee of the MSP from PM Modi.
Questions regarding the enactment of the suggestions and directives of the M S Swaminathan Committee were also raised by the farmers. There are rumours of farmers stepping up their agitation. Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has urged the protestors to maintain calm and peace and not disrupt the life of the public.
Meanwhile Arvind Kejriwal , Chief Minister of Delhi, has tweeted and expressed his doubts on the new reform bills saying he is convinced that it will not help farmers in any way.
