Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, November 19, repealed the three contentious farm laws. He announced the major decision in his address to the nation. PM Modi stated that the government couldn't convince a section of farmers despite its best efforts. The goal of the three farm laws, he said, was to empower farmers, especially small farmers. He further added that the government will take constitutional measures to repeal the laws in the coming parliament session. PM Modi said the government worked to provide farmers with seeds at reasonable prices and facilities such as micro-irrigation, 22 crore soil health cards. These factors, he said, contributed to increased agricultural production. The prime minister further added that the government also strengthened Fasal Bima Yojana, and brought more farmers under it.
Also Read: PM Modi decides to repeal the three farm laws
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6.00 pm: Farmers won't go home, Centre will have to talk to them, says BKU leader Rakesh Tikait
Taking to Twitter, the BKU leader said (In Hindi), "There is no monarchy in the country, the farmer will not go back home just by making an announcement on TV, the government will have to talk to the farmers."
5.49 pm: Watch: Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal denies possibilities of allying with BJP after the repeal of three farm laws.
5.39 pm: Farm laws repealed to woo farmers: RJD's Lalu Yadav
Commenting on the government's announcement to withdraw the three agri laws, RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav said, "What about the families of the 700-750 farmers who died during agitation against these black laws? They've withdrawn the laws now that Assembly elections are around the corner. They've lost on this front, and they'll face defeat there (in elections) too."
"Farmers can't get benefits until electricity rates are cut and MSP is implemented with a new approach. This (repeal of three farm laws) has been done to woo farmers, but the people can't be fooled. They know everything and vote against BJP," he added.
5.29 pm: Repeal of 3 farm laws: Congress to observe 'Kisan Vijay Diwas' across the country tomorrow
Congress party will observe 'Kisan Vijay Diwas' across the country tomorrow "in recognition of consistent & spirited fight of the farmers against the flawed decisions". The party also asked its state units to organise Kisan Vijay Rallies/Kisan Vijay Sabhas.
5.18 pm: Farm laws withdrawal may dwarf India's food export plans under PLI
With the three farm laws' attempt to link the farmers' directly with the food processing units now in jeopardy, estimates suggest the scrapping of agri laws could hit India's prospects as a potential exporter of processed food items.
Read more here: Scrapping of farm laws may dwarf India's food export plans under PLI
5.06 pm: Sacrifices of over 700 farmer families have paid off: Sonia Gandhi
Congress Interim President Sonia Gandhi said in a statement, "Today, the sacrifices of more than 700 farmer families, whose members laid down their lives in this struggle for justice, have paid off. Today, truth, justice, & non-violence have won: Congress Interim President Sonia Gandhi in a statement on repeal of three #FarmLaws."
4.49 pm: 'Victory of democracy': Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot on repeal of 3 agri laws
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot took to Twitter to hail the government's decision so withdraw the three farm laws, calling it a "victory of democracy' and "defeat" of the arrogance of the Centre.
"The announcement of repealing all the 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," Ashok Gehlot tweeted.
4.39 pm: 32 Punjab farmers' organisations to meet on Nov 20 to take a final call on the govt's announcement
The organisations will meet to take a final call on the Centre's move to withdraw the three agri laws, the future course of the agitation and its stand on MSP. Sources told India Today that the Samyukt Kisan Morcha's (SKM) decision-making body is scheduled to meet on November 21.
4.29 pm: The govt woke up after our 750 people died, says Rakesh Tikait
"The government woke up after our 750 people died... Where have they withdrawn 3 farm laws? Where are the papers? Show us the papers...we will continue the protest...When farm laws are withdrawn, we will return....," said Rakesh Tikait, Bharatiya Kisan Union.
4.18 pm: Repealing farm laws won't benefit farmers, says Bharatiya Kisan Sangh
The Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) has said that the decision taken by the government to withdraw the three farm laws will not benefit farmers. BKS, which is affiliated with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), said in a statement on Friday that the move to repeal the legislations " is ok to avoid further unnecessary confrontation, but it will not help the farmers in the long-term." The organisation added that the adamant nature of the 'so-called' farmers will only lead to future losses for them.
4:05 pm: People's wish should prevail, says Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
"I congratulate PM Narendra Modi ji for honoring the wishes of farmers. In a democracy, people's wish should prevail," the Art of Living founder tweeted.
4:00 pm: NCP supremo and former Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar comments on PM Modi's farm laws announcement
"As a Union Agriculture Minister for 10 years, I had made this commitment on farm issue which is a state subject, that without taking all stakeholders into confidence, it was not right to bring in any new measure related to farm laws," Pawar said. He added that he also sought advice from state agricultural ministers during his tenure as the Union Minister for Agriculture but the current dispensation implemented these laws without any discussion.
3:50 pm: PM has led by example and listened to problems of farmers, says Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai
"PM has led by example and listened to problems of farmers. Pro-farmer organisations have welcomed the move. Congress projects it as a victory but you have to remember that agitating farmers didn't associate their protests with any party," says Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai.
3:45 pm: Centre's decision to repeal 3 farm laws much delayed but welcome step: Punjab CMO
"Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi has termed the Centre's decision to repeal three farm laws as much delayed but a welcome step. He also sought compensation for the state and farmers adequately for loss of life and property losses during the protest," the CMO stated.
3:40 pm: Sad, shameful and absolutely unfair: Kangana Ranaut on withdrawal of farm laws
Bollywood actor and Padma awardee Kangana Ranaut posted an Instagram story wherein she wrote, " Sad, shameful and absolutely unfair..... 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 also shared the photograph of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and noted, "When the conscience of a nation is in deep sleep, latth is the only solution and dictatorship is the only resolution... Happy Birthday Madam Prime Minister."
3:30 pm: Indeed a day that will go down in history, says Shiromani Akali Dal leader and former Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal
"Today indeed is a day that will go down in history. Today indeed is a day to remember those 800 farmers who laid down their lives to get these bills repealed. We can never forget them. We can never thank them and their families enough," says Harsimrat Kaur Badal.
3:17 pm: Appeal to everyone to move mutually forward on the issue of farm laws, says Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar
"I appeal to everyone to mutually move forward on the issue of farm laws. As far as MSP is concerned, since it's a suggestion from farmers, PM has announced that a committee comprising farmers, states, Centre...will be formed to take a decision on the matter", says Haryana CM ML Khattar.
2.55 pm: Farm laws repealed: On Guru Nanak Jayanti, PM Modi accepted his mistake, says Navjot Singh Sidhu
Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu said the state should forgive PM Modi because a new chapter is beginning. 'Nobody should attempt to take the credit for this victory,it all goes to satyagraha of SKM.Attempts were made to disrepute them but they stood firm," Sidhu told ANI.
2.35 pm: No trust in Modi. Movement to continue says Farm leader Rakesh Tikait
BKU leader Rakesh Tikait has said the movement against the three farm laws and other issues will continue despite their withdrawal by the government, as announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Talking to India Today TV at Palghar in Maharashtra, Tikait added that he had no faith in PM Modi and that he would now wait for further talks on the issue with the government.
"This is just an announcement by the Prime Minister. There is nothing legal in it as of now. So this movement will continue. Modi would have had the divine realisation now. We have no trust in him." He stated. The farm leader said that talks on these issues along with other related issues were needed. "Show us the legal papers and then the farmers can make a new start. He (Prime Minister) has the time till 24 (winter session) to contemplate further on the issue," Tikait added.
Also read: Farmers have no trust in PM Modi; govt must show legal documents: Rakesh Tikait
2.19 pm: Farm laws repealed: What's the use of sitting now, says Amarinder Singh
Former Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh said, "PM apologised. Now, it's question of when will the House meet. It will meet on 29 Nov-10 days from now, Bill will be brought & Laws will be repealed. Matter will end there, so what's the use of sitting now: Capt Amarinder Singh when asked that farmers are still sitting on protest."
2.09 pm: Will release SC-appointed committee's report on farm laws if top court doesn't do so: Member
A member of the Supreme Court (SC)- appointed panel, which has already submitted its report on the three agri laws to the top court, said the purpose of the report is over now and will release it in the public domain, if the top court doesn't do so. Shetkari Sanghatana President Anil J Ghanwat said the panel's report was in "favour of farmers" and will decide next week on releasing the report in the public domain.
1.58 pm: Farm laws repeal: Govt's decision 'too late', says Mayawati
Bahujan Samajwadi Party (BSP) chief Mayawati said the government's decision to withdraw the three agri laws was a "very late one." She congratulated the farmers and also demanded the Centre to frame a law to assure support price for farmers' produce and financial compensation for the kin of farmers who died during the agitation against the three agri laws.
1.46 pm: 'Modi govt had no constitutional right to make such laws', says Asaduddin Owaisi
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi told ANI that the opposition had been saying from day one that the farm laws are "unconstitutional". He added that the Modi government had no constitutional right to make such laws. "These laws were formed only for the satisfaction of Modi's ego.Due to these black laws 700 farmers had to lose their lives," he stated.
1.36 pm: Watch: Farmers' protest will continue until farm laws are repealed in Parliament, says BKU leader Rakesh Tikait
1.26 pm: 'Farmers won't forgive and will wipe BJP out', says Akhilesh Yadav
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said the government has withdrawn the farm laws for votes and is scared of elections. "What if they bring back such laws after polls? They are not thinking about farmers; insulted them at every level. WiIl BJP apologise?" he added.
1.13 pm: Govt to form a panel on other farm issues, says Agriculture minister
Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar said although PM Modi tried to bring changes in agriculture with the agri reforms "but due to some situations, some farmers objected." He added that the government will form a committee on Zero Budget Farming, MSP, crop diversification issues. The committee will have the Centre, State Govts, farmers, scientists, economists. It will submit a report over making MSP effective & transparent and other issues, Tomar told ANI.
12.58 pm: MSP Guarantee Act an issue too, Farmers' panel to talk to govt soon, says Rakesh Tikait
Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait said the farmers' protest is not going to end and will continue. He added that the meeting of "9-member committee of Samyukt Morcha is being held today". Tikait further stated that, "MSP Guarantee Act is an issue too. Committee will be formed that will talk to GoI over other issues,can't keep agitating on all issues."
12.45 pm: PM Modi's announcement 'a welcome and statesmanlike move', says Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to repeal the three farm laws as a "welcome and statesmanlike move." Taking to Twitter, Shah said, "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."
"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 further tweeted.
12.36 pm: 'Farmers won, Modi's arrogance lost': Chhattisgarh CM
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel called the government's move to repeal the three farm laws as farmers' win, stating the "Modi's arrogance lost." He further added that "it's the victory of farmers who were protesting for over a year while being called terrorists, China-Pak supporters."
12.29 pm: 'Victory of legendary farmers' strike': Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan
"The repealing of 3 #FarmLaws is the victory of the legendary farmer's strike. Indian farmers have written a great page in the history of class struggle for an egalitarian world. Greetings to farmers who fought tirelessly overcoming several challenges," Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan told ANI.
12.19 pm: 'Nobody bigger than farers in this nation,' says Priyanka Gandhi
"When farmers were being killed, batons were being used&they were being arrested -who was doing it? Your govt. Today you say that the laws will be repealed. How are we going to trust you? I'm happy that Govt understood that nobody is bigger than farmers in this nation," Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
12.10 pm: Govt's move an election gimmick, says Rakesh Tikait
Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait said the government's decision to repeal the three farm laws can be an election gimmick "given the manner in which the graph of Modi govt is going down and their image is getting affected."
11.53 am: Farm laws repealed: Rahul Gandhi retweets old video predicting govt's decision
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi retweeted his old video prediction the government's decision to repeal the three farm laws in January this year. "Mark my words. Government will be forced to take back these farm laws," he was seen as saying in the video.
11.45 am: Arvind Kejriwal welcomes govt's decision to repeal farm laws
Hailing the Centre's move to withdraw the three agri laws, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said, "I congratulate all farmers in the country. Their agitation yielded results. Had this been done sooner lives of 700 farmers could've been saved. Still, this is big. Perhaps for the 1st time in India's history, Govt is taking back 3 laws due to an agitation."
11.34 am: Farm laws repealed: Govt had fear of elections, says Chidambaram
Congress leader P Chidambaram said the government's decision to withdraw the three contentious agri laws was a "great victory for the farmers." He added that the decision was not inspired by a change of heart but impelled by "fear of elections."
11.28 am: Farmer unions refuse to end protest, call for further action
After PM Modi's announcement to withdraw the three agri laws, farmer unions like Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) and Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) said they will not end the protests until the laws are repealed in the Parliament.
Read more here: Farmer unions refuse to budge; call for further action after PM Modi's announcement on farm laws
11.18 am: Social media reaction on PM Modi farm laws announcement
The social media seems to be divided after PM Modi announced that the government is going to repeal the three farm laws. Read more on the twiterati reactions here:
PM Modi's farm laws announcement divides Twitter; here's how the internet reacted
11.10 am: Farm laws repealed: Protest will end when 3 laws repealed in Parliament, says Rakesh Tikait
Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait said the farmers' protest against the three farm laws will be withdrawn only after the legislations are repealed in Parliament. He also emphasised that the government should talk to farmers over the issue of MSP of crops as well as other matters. "We shall take a decision on the withdrawal of protests only after the laws are scrapped after due Parliamentary procedures. The other issues of the farmers also need to be discussed," Tikait told India Today TV.
10.55 am: "you're sacrifice has paid dividends..." Navjot Singh Sindhu
Navjot Singh Sidhu, President of Punjab Congress lauded the farmers, who have been protesting for months against these laws, saying. "you're sacrifice has paid dividends..."
10.45 am: A look at three farm laws repealed by the govt
1. Farmer's Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation Bill, 2020)
Would allow farmers the option to sell their produce through alternate channels outside state-registered mandis under APMCs, and promote inter-state and intra-state trade of farm produce, thus enabling better market linkages for farmers, especially smallholders with less than 5 hectares of land
2. The Farmer (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020
Would provide contract farming opportunities where farmers could enter into direct agreements with agribusinesses, wholesalers, retailers, agritech startups, and other private players to sell their produce at higher / better prices by eliminating the local middlemen in the agri trade
3. The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, 2020
Provisions for the removal of agri commodities like cereals, pulses, oilseeds, potato, onion, etc. from the list of 'essential commodities'; provisions for the scrapping of stock holding limits for these commodities, thereby reducing wastage. Also, inviting more FDI and private sector funds into cold storage, warehousing, and other farm infrastructure
10.36 am: Bharatiya Kisan Union's Ugrahan faction, Congress welcomes govt's move to repeal farm laws
"It is a good move by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of Gurupurab," Joginder Singh Ugrahan, the leader of BKU's Ugrahan faction, told PTI.
10.25 am: Farm laws repeal: Farmers' win over Centre's wrongdoings: AAP leader Sanjay Singh
10.19 am: Farm laws repeal: 'Victory against injustice', says Rahul Gandhi
Taking to Twitter Congress leader Rahul Gandhi wrote, "farmers of the country through their protest have bowed down the government. Congratulations on the victory against injustice."
10.12 am: Here is a clip of PM Modi saying he is repealing 3 farm laws
10.05 am: Former Punjab CM Amarinder Singh thanks PM Modi for repealing the 'Black' laws
Former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh thanked PM Modi for repealing the contentious farm laws. Taking to Twitter he said, "Great news! Thankful to PM Narendra Modi ji for acceding to the demands of every Punjabi and repealing the three black laws on the pious occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti. I am sure the Central govt will continue to work in tandem for the development of the kisan."
Taking to Twitter, the BKU leader said (In Hindi), "There is no monarchy in the country, the farmer will not go back home just by making an announcement on TV, the government will have to talk to the farmers."
With the three farm laws' attempt to link the farmers' directly with the food processing units now in jeopardy, estimates suggest the scrapping of agri laws could hit India's prospects as a potential exporter of processed food items.
Congress Interim President Sonia Gandhi said in a statement, "Today, the sacrifices of more than 700 farmer families, whose members laid down their lives in this struggle for justice, have paid off. Today, truth, justice, & non-violence have won: Congress Interim President Sonia Gandhi in a statement on repeal of three #FarmLaws."
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot took to Twitter to hail the government's decision so withdraw the three farm laws, calling it a "victory of democracy' and "defeat" of the arrogance of the Centre.
The organisations will meet to take a final call on the Centre's move to withdraw the three agri laws, the future course of the agitation and its stand on MSP.
"The government woke up after our 750 people died... Where have they withdrawn 3 farm laws? Where are the papers? Show us the papers...we will continue the protest...When farm laws are withdrawn, we will return....," said Rakesh Tikait, Bharatiya Kisan Union.
The Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) has said that the decision taken by the government to withdraw the three farm laws will not benefit farmers.
"I congratulate PM Narendra Modi ji for honoring the wishes of farmers. In a democracy, people's wish should prevail," the Art of Living founder tweeted.
"As a Union Agriculture Minister for 10 years, I had made this commitment on farm issue which is a state subject, that without taking all stakeholders into confidence, it was not right to bring in any new measure related to farm laws," Pawar said.
Bollywood actor and Padma awardee Kangana Ranaut posted an Instagram story wherein she wrote, " Sad, shameful and absolutely unfair..... 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."
Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu said the state should forgive PM Modi because a new chapter is beginning.
BKU leader Rakesh Tikait has said the movement against the three farm laws and other issues will continue despite their withdrawal by the government, as announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Former Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh said, "PM apologised. Now, it's question of when will the House meet. It will meet on 29 Nov-10 days from now, Bill will be brought & Laws will be repealed. Matter will end there, so what's the use of sitting now: Capt Amarinder Singh when asked that farmers are still sitting on protest."
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi told ANI that the opposition had been saying from day one that the farm laws are "unconstitutional".
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said the government has withdrawn the farm laws for votes and is scared of elections.
Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar said the government will form a committee on on Zero Budget Farming, MSP, crop diversification issues.
Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait said the farmers' protest is not going to end and will continue.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to repeal the three farm laws as a "welcome and statesmanlike move."
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel called the government's move to repeal the three farm laws as farmers' win, stating the "Modi's arrogance lost."
"The repealing of 3 #FarmLaws is the victory of the legendary farmer's strike. Indian farmers have written a great page in the history of class struggle for an egalitarian world. Greetings to farmers who fought tirelessly overcoming several challenges," said Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan.