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Agencies

Farmer leaders, ministers begin talks over controversial farm laws in Delhi
01-December-2020

As many as 36 farm unions have accepted the government's invitation for talks over the new farm laws. A meeting of the farmer leaders and top ministers is currently underway at Vigyan Bhawan in Delhi. Those who are attending the meet include farmers from Punjab, two representatives from Haryana, Yogendra Yadav from AIKSCC, and another leader from Uttar Pradesh. Earlier today, top BJP leaders including Home Minister Amit Shah, Agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar, Defence minister Rajnath Singh held a meeting at party president JP Nadda's residence to chalk out the strategy to end the stalemate.

"In our meeting, we have decided to accept the central government's offer to hold talks at 3 pm today. Representatives of protesting farmers will attend the meeting with Union ministers," farmer leader Baljeet Singh Mahal said.

Meanwhile, the government has made it clear that it will not take back the three farm laws, instead its representatives will attempt to dispel their concerns over the laws.

Thousands of farmers are camping at Delhi borders for the last five days to lodge their protest against the three farm laws. Farmers fear that the new farm laws will dismantle the minimum support price system and corporatise the agriculture sector.

"Farmer leaders have been invited for talks today at 3pm. The government is always ready for talks," Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar told reporters ahead of a crucial meet with Union ministers Amit Shah, and Rajnath Singh at BJP national president JP Nadda's residence in Delhi.

In another related development, the government has named a panel comprising three Union ministers -- Defence minister Rajnath Singh, Agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar, and Railways minister Piyush Goyal to hold the talks with the farmers.