Farmer stir Highlights: BKU's Rakesh Tikait slams Cong leader Vidya Rani

Farmer unions representatives have said that 40 leaders who have been spearheading the agitation against farm laws will travel across the country to gain support for its withdrawal.

The ‘toolkit’ case took a fresh turn as Bangalore-based Disha Ravi was arrested by Delhi Police for allegedly editing and disseminating the "toolkit" on social media. Ravi has been sent to five days police custody.

The Samyukt Kisan Morcha expressed concerns as the government has not yet given any dates for the next round of discussions. The Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Mahasangh (RKMS), a part of the SKM, has said that several Kisan Mahapanchayats are scheduled to be held across Madhya Pradesh starting February 15. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will also attend Kisan Mahapanchayats starting February 15 across Uttar Pradesh. She has reached Hapur and is slated to address her first Mahapanchayat later in Hapur.

Farmers are protesting against the Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020, the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance, and Farm Services Act, 2020, and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020 for almost 12 weeks. Farmers’ unions representatives say that these laws will pave the way for MNCs in the agricultural sector to reap profits and pave the way for corporate farming.

They also fear the system of procurement under MSP will be affected. The Centre has repeatedly assured farmers that the MSP system will remain unaffected and said the laws will ensure doubling of farmers’ incomes.

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• FEB 15, 2021 08:45 PM IST

  BKU leader Rakesh Tikait replies to Congress leader Vidya Rani's remarks

  What is the use of liquor here? I don't know why she's making such comments. Such people don't have anything to do with the movement. It's wrong & shouldn't be done. They can distribute whatever they want to, at their movement: Rakesh Tikait, BKU on Congress' Vidya Rani's remark pic.twitter.com/FPNe9tuekn

  — ANI (@ANI) February 15, 2021

  Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait, replying to Congress leader Vidya Rani's remarks, said "Such people don't have anything to do with the movement," reports ANI.

• FEB 15, 2021 07:48 PM IST

  In toolkit case, Shantanu seeks transit anticipatory bail; hearing on Tuesday

  Shantanu Muluk has filled a transit anticipatory bail application before the Aurangabad bench of the Bombay high court on Monday. The plea is similar to that of activist and lawyer Nikita Jacob who sought circulation of her transit anticipatory bail application on Monday morning before the bench of justice PD Naik.

• FEB 15, 2021 05:57 PM IST

  Delhi CM Kejriwal to address Kisan Mahapanchayat in Meerut on 28 February

  मेरठ में कार्यकर्ता बैठक सम्पन्न 28 फ़रवरी को होगी “किसान महापंचायत” दिल्ली के मुख्यमंत्री @ArvindKejriwal जी किसानो को सम्बोधित करेंगे। 1857 की क्रान्तिभूमि मेरठ से उठेगी किसानो के हक़ में आवाज़। #काला_क़ानून_वापस_लो

  — Sanjay Singh AAP (@SanjayAzadSln) February 15, 2021

  Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh tweeted that Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal would address the Kisan Mahapanchayat in Meerut on February 28.

• FEB 15, 2021 05:32 PM IST

  Three-member Supreme Court panel on farm laws holds consultations with experts

  The Supreme Court-appointed committee on the new farm laws on Monday said it held consultations with eminent academicians and agri-professionals on the legislations against which farmers have been protesting at Delhi's borders for over two months now, reports PTI.

  Click here to read more

• FEB 15, 2021 04:29 PM IST

  Anil Deshmukh clarifies order to probe celebrity tweets

  are also respected by the people across the nation hence, there is no question of probing them. A preliminary investigation by MH Police has revealed that BJP's IT cell chief and 12 other influencers are involved in the tweet case and police are taking action accordingly. (2/2)

  — ANIL DESHMUKH (@AnilDeshmukhNCP) February 15, 2021

  Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh clarified that he has ordered probe into celebrity tweets regarding farmers protests to verify if BJP's IT cell was involved and not on the celebrities themselves.

• FEB 15, 2021 04:10 PM IST

  Delhi police say Nikita, Shantanu attended video meeting by pro-Khalistani group

  A woman named Puneet who is based in Canada connected these people to the Pro-Khalistani Poetic Justice Foundation. On 11th January Nikita and Shantanu attended a Zoom meeting organised by Poetic Justice Foundation in which modalities were chalked out: Prem Nath, Jt CP Cyber Cell pic.twitter.com/BgL0cr9uXs

  — ANI (@ANI) February 15, 2021

  Prem Nath, Joint Commissioner of Police, Cyber Cell, said that Nikita and Shantanu had attended a Zoom meeting by the pro-Khalistani Poetic Justice Foundation, reports ANI.

• FEB 15, 2021 03:54 PM IST

  Sitaram Yechury says 'Government has to end persecution of young activists'

  The Modi government has to end such persecution of young activists forthwith.
  These youngsters are the future of India.
  Persecuting them under draconian laws will destroy our future.
  Stop this.
  #DishaRavihttps://t.co/tXpJGk04eY pic.twitter.com/7TAMEPe1qs

  — Sitaram Yechury (@SitaramYechury) February 15, 2021

  Sitaram Yechury said "The Modi government has to end such persecution of young activists forthwith. These youngsters are the future of India," about the arrest of Disha Ravi.

• FEB 15, 2021 02:47 PM IST

  Priyanka Gandhi asks 'Why not withdraw farm laws if farmers themselves don't want it ?'

  Farmers sitting at Delhi borders for over 80 days in cold, are now bracing themselves for summer. What are they sitting for? PM says laws are for benefit of farmers. When farmers themselves are saying that they don't want it then why are you not withdrawing them?: Priyanka GV pic.twitter.com/x4mOMgl5JN

  — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) February 15, 2021

  Priyanka Gandhi Vadra asks "When farmers themselves are saying that they don't want it then why are you not withdrawing them?" reports ANI.

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• FEB 15, 2021 02:08 PM IST

  Advocate Nikita Jacob moves Bombay HC for transit bail, reports PTI

  Advocate Nikita Jacob who is being probed by Delhi Police for her alleged role in the 'toolkit' case approached the Bombay High Court seeking transit anticipatory bail. A Delhi Court had earlier in the day issued a non-bailable warrant against the advocate and other activist and Delhi Police has said that she along with others were conspiring with 'Khalistani element' to create a stir on social media ahead of Republic Day on January 26.

• FEB 15, 2021 01:40 PM IST

  Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi en route to Bijnor to address Kisan Mahapanchayat

  कांग्रेस महासचिव श्रीमती @priyankagandhi जी का कांग्रेस कार्यकर्ताओं ने बिजनौर जाने के दौरान हापुड़ में आत्मीय स्वागत किया। pic.twitter.com/Vrnvcjhvag

  — Ajay Kumar Lallu (@AjayLalluINC) February 15, 2021

  Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was greeted by a large group of supporters in Hapur. She is on her way to Bijnor where she will address her first Kisan Mahapanchayat. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will address two other Kisan Mahapanchayats over the next week.

• FEB 15, 2021 12:36 PM IST

  BKU's Ugrahan wing questions state of women safety

  Disha Ravi was remanded 21 year old young woman five days custody to Delhi police without being represented by a lawyer which is clear violation of constitution.
  
  Our Sisters And Mothers Are not Safe in Modi Raj . Wake up to Fight against This Dictatorship #IndiaBeingSilenced pic.twitter.com/tGND2ucwKv

  — BKU EKTA UGRAHAN (@Bkuektaugrahan) February 15, 2021

  The farmers' union alleged that the government is failing to protect women and said that Disha's arrest is a 'clear violation of the Constitution'.

• FEB 15, 2021 12:32 PM IST

  Poetic Justice Foundation head contacted lawyer Nikita Jacob, reports ANI citing people familiar with developments

  Four days ago Special Cell team went to Nikita Jacob's house. Her electronic gadgets were examined. Delhi police says that they would visit again to question her but she is not available: Sources on Toolkit conspiracy

  — ANI (@ANI) February 15, 2021

  News agency ANI citing people familiar with the developments said that Poetic Justice Foundation head conducted meetings over Zoom with plans to create a stir on social media ahead of Republic Day. They also said that the meeting was attended by Nikita Jacob, Disha Ravi and other activists. The news agency said that Delhi Police had visited her home but did not find her present and will visit her again for questioning.

• FEB 15, 2021 12:25 PM IST

  Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury launches multi-pronged attack on govt with connection to Disha Ravi's arrest

  ...It reflects your frustration in trouncing upon the independent thinking girl, putting her in jail. Today or tomorrow people of the country will deliver you a poetic justice. One swallow does not make a summer, I am with #GretaThunberg, I am with #DishaRavi,
  (3/3)

  — Adhir Chowdhury (@adhirrcinc) February 15, 2021

  Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said that the arrest of Disha Ravi shows that the government is frustrated with the ongoing protests against the farm laws. In a series of tweets, Chowdhury criticised the government for failing 'to uphold basic rights of common citzenry' and said that 'Satyagrahi' farmers have inflicted 'moral defeat' on the government. He said he firmly stands with Disha Ravi.

• FEB 15, 2021 11:24 AM IST

  Anil Vij denounces calls for Disha Ravi's release

  देश विरोध का बीज जिसके भी दिमाग में हो उसका समूल नाश कर देना चाहिए फिर चाहे वह #दिशा_रवि हो यां कोई और ।

  — ANIL VIJ MINISTER HARYANA (@anilvijminister) February 15, 2021

  The Haryana minister also said that any kind of 'anti-national ideas' stemming in one's mind should be nipped in the bud.

• FEB 15, 2021 11:07 AM IST

  Chhattisgarh CM joins group of politicians demanding Disha Ravi's release

  कायरता और फासीवाद उनकी विरासत है।#ReleaseDishaRavi

  — Bhupesh Baghel (@bhupeshbaghel) February 15, 2021

  Chhattisgarh chief minister demanded the release of Disha Ravi, who has been remanded to 5-day police custody by a Delhi court, and condemned her arrest calling the entire episode an act of 'cowardice.'

• FEB 15, 2021 10:58 AM IST

  Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi demands release of Bengaluru-based climate activist

  डरते हैं बंदूकों वाले एक निहत्थी लड़की से
  फैले हैं हिम्मत के उजाले एक निहत्थी लड़की से#ReleaseDishaRavi #DishaRavi#IndiaBeingSilenced

  — Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) February 15, 2021

  Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in a tweeted voiced her support for climate activist Disha Ravi and shared a small poem in Hindi in support of her. Priyanka said that an unarmed girl has struck fears in the heart of the people who are armed with guns. She also said that Disha is emanating 'rays of hope and courage.'

• FEB 15, 2021 10:50 AM IST

  Delhi Police issue non-bailable warrants against 2 activists

  Non-bailable warrants issued against Nikita Jacob and Shantanu. The two are involved in the toolkit matter: Delhi Police

  — ANI (@ANI) February 15, 2021

  Delhi Police has said that the Delhi Police has issued non-bailable warrants against activists Nikita Jacob and Shantanu in the 'toolkit' case.

• FEB 15, 2021 10:33 AM IST

  Sanjay Singh says Centre is stifling people siding with the 'truth'

  तानाशाही का अंत जल्द होगा
  पर्यावरण की रक्षा के लिये संघर्ष करने वाली #DishaRavi ने किसानो के हक़ में आवाज़ उठाई तो उसे देश द्रोही बना दिया गया, मोदी राज में सच बोलना और हक़ बोलना “देश द्रोह” है। pic.twitter.com/WvbsBkEPvy

  — Sanjay Singh AAP (@SanjayAzadSln) February 15, 2021

  The Rajya Sabha MP in his tweet said the government is punishing the climate activist based in Bengaluru for raising her voice in support of farmers. He also said that speaking the truth and demanding for one's rights is being seen as a crime under the current government.

• FEB 15, 2021 10:01 AM IST

  Disha Ravi's arrest is an attack on democracy: Delhi CM

  Arrest of 21 yr old Disha Ravi is an unprecedented attack on Democracy. Supporting our farmers is not a crime.

  — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) February 15, 2021

  Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has condemned the arrest of Bengaluru-based climate activist Disha Ravi calling it an 'unprecendented attack' on democracy. He also said that supporting the farmers protesting the laws passed by the Centre is 'not a crime.'

• FEB 15, 2021 09:15 AM IST

  Cong senior leader Sibal criticises govt of climate activist's arrest

  Disha Ravi
  Climate Activist
  
  Is the state so weak that a tweet threatens its security ?
  Is the state so paranoid that a 22 year is a national security threat ?
  Is the state so intolerant that it cannot tolerate youth standing with farmers ?
  Is this the “badlav” Modiji wanted?

  — Kapil Sibal (@KapilSibal) February 15, 2021

  Congress lawmaker Kapil Sibal tweeted on Monday condemning the arrest of Disha Ravi and questioned the government's stance on national security asking if it feels that a 21-year-old and a few teenagers can threaten security of the nation.

• FEB 15, 2021 09:11 AM IST

  Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait says farmers' unions have not yet raised slogans of 'gaddi wapsi'

  Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait said that farmers' unions representatives have only demanded repeal of laws and have not raised slogans of government's resignation.

• FEB 15, 2021 08:33 AM IST

  Borders remain closed at multiple points due to farmers' protests

  Several borders remained closed at several points across Delhi's border due to the ongoing protests by farmers' unions. Noida to Delhi carriageway has been closed along with Ghazipur border. Read more here.

• FEB 15, 2021 08:21 AM IST

  Kisan Mahapanchayat to be held in Madhya Pradesh's Khargone

  Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Mahasangh (RKMM) Shiv Kumar Sharma announced on February 14 that the farmers' group will hold its first Kisan Mahapanchayat at Madhya Pradesh's Khargone at 12 pm on Monday.

• FEB 15, 2021 07:40 AM IST

  BKU expresses support for Disha Ravi

  Environmental activist #DishaRavi in Bangalore has been framed on trumped up charges for just for sharing content.
  
  Police is hounding everyone who thinks and advocates good for the people! #FreeDishaRavi pic.twitter.com/ZLlzmAiHmR

  — BKU EKTA UGRAHAN (@Bkuektaugrahan) February 14, 2021

  The Bharatiya Kisan Union has extended its support to Bangalore-based climate activist Disha Ravi who was arrested on Sunday by the Delhi Police for editing and disseminating the 'toolkit' which police believe was responsible for the tractor rally violence.