Farmers' protest LIVE updates: Agitation begins at Delhi's Jantar Mantar amid heavy security
Farmers protesting against the three contentious agri laws passed by the central government launched an agitation on Thursday at the Jantar Mantar near Parliament in New Delhi. A series of demonstrations against the farm laws are being held by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), an umbrella body of protesting farm unions....Read More
The farmers' movement was granted permission for the Jantar Mantar demonstration by Delhi lieutenant-governor Anil Baijal on the condition that only a maximum of 200 protestors will be allowed till August 9.
Protesting farmers have also been asked to provide an affidavit declaring that all Covid-19 norms will be followed and that the movement will be peaceful. The demonstrators were met with heavy security deployment in the area amid the ongoing monsoon session of Parliament.
'Only hooligans, not farmers, can indulge in such activities': Union minister Meenakshi Lekhi
Union minister Meenashi Lekhi said "only hooligans, not farmers, can indulge in such activities," when asked about her comments earlier, reports ANI.
Farmers leaders react to Union minister Meenakshi Lekhi's 'hooligans' remarks
After Union minister Meenakshi Lekhi's comments, Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait said that it was wrong to make such statements and another farmer leader Shiv Kumar Kakka said that the remark was insulting, reports ANI.
'They are not farmers, they are hooligans': Meenakshi Lekhi
"They are not farmers, they are hooligans... These are criminal acts. What happened on January 26 was also shameful criminals activities. Opposition promoted such activities," Union minister Meenakshi Lekhi said, reports ANI.
'Govt made all efforts to stop farmers from protesting': Congress MP Adhir Chowdhury
Congress MP Adhira Ranjan Chowdhury demanded the repeal of the farm laws and said that his party would continue the protests against the farm laws and in support of the farmers. "This government has made all efforts to stop farmers from protesting against farm laws," he said, reports ANI.
Watch | 200 farmers reach Jantar Mantar amid heavy security; UP next stop, say leaders
'UK parliament debating farmers' issue but not our govt': Yogendra Yadav
Yogendra Yadav said that the UK parliament is debating the farmers' issues but the Indian government is not, reports PTI.
Delhi police, paramilitary on alert at Jantar Mantar
'Farmers to run their own Parliament': Rakesh Tikait
"Farmers will run their own Parliament," says BKU leader Rakesh Tikait, adding, "Members of Parliament (MPs), irrespective of their parties, will be criticised in their constituencies if they don't raise voice for farmers in the House."
Agitation against farm laws begins at Jantar Mantar
Group of farmers also reach Jantar Mantar
A group of 200 farmers also reach Jantar Mantar to protest against farm laws amid heavy police presence.
BKU leader Rakesh Tikait arrives at Jantar Mantar in Delhi to join protesting farmers
Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait reaches Jantar Mantar as farmers begin their protest against central government's three farm laws.
Buses carrying protesting farmers arrive at Jantar Mantar in Delhi
If farmers express issues with these laws point-wise, we can discuss it: Agriculture minister
"India has witnessed that these farm laws are beneficial and are in the favour of farmers. We have had discussions about these laws. If they express their issues with the laws point-wise, we can discuss it," said Union agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar
Congress MPs, including Rahul Gandhi, protest farm laws in Parliament premises
Rakesh Tikait on arrangements to tackle Jan 26 Red Fort-like situation
"Parliament is just 150 meters away from Jantar Mantar and we will hold our own Parliament sessions there," said BKU leader Rakesh Tikait on being asked about arrangements to tackle situations like the January 26 Red Fort violence. "What do we have to do with hooliganism? Are we miscreants?"