Government rejects of any pressure on PM Modi as talks with farmers are scheduled for December 30

Talks with Farmers: Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Tomar said on Monday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was dedicated to improve farmers’ economic condition and that no amount of pressure and influence can alter PM’s resolve. This came as government has invited 40 farmer unions who are protesting against the agricultural reforms, for yet another round of talks on December 30. 

Mr. Modi said while addressing a different event that government will “keep marching on the path of strengthening Indian agriculture and farmers.” 

Tomar said while speaking to farmers supporting the new laws, “Modiji has no selfish interest. His single-point programme is the development of the country and the welfare of the people. He is fully dedicated to the single-point programme of making agriculture prosperous and improving the economic condition of the farmers.” 

PM Modi said while flagging off the 100^th Kisan Rail from Sangola, Maharashtra to Shalimar, West Bengal via video conferencing on Monday, “We will keep marching on the path of strengthening Indian agriculture and farmers with full devotion, with full force.” 

Union Agriculture Secretary Sanjay Agarwal has invited 40 farm unions representatives by sending a letter, for next round of talks to be held on Wednesday, December 30. The letter mentions that all issues in question related to farmers will be discussed in the Wednesday talks. These include all the three agriculture laws, MSP-based procurement, Commission for the Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Ordinance, 2020, and the Electricity Amendment Bill 2020. 

Last round of talks was held on December 8 that was participated by farm unions’ 13 representatives and Home Minister Amit Shah. But the talks between government and farmer unions have remained inconclusive as both sides deny to leave their terms. As government has agreed to amendments in reforms, the farmers are demanding complete repeal of the laws.