Farmers-Centre talks inconclusive, another round on January 8
The ongoing meeting between farmer leaders and the Union government has failed to make any headway so far with both sides refusing to budge from their stated positions.
The seventh round of talks between farmer leaders and the Union government also failed to make any headway with both sides refusing to budge from their stated positions.
The government is adamant that the contentious farm laws will not be repealed and is believed to have suggested a panel to take the matter forward, a PTI report said. The two sides are likely to meet again on January 8.
Also read: Consensus on two of 4 major demands, says Centre after talks with farmers
Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee member Sarwan Pandher, who is in the meeting, told NDTV that agriculture minister Narendra Tomar is still insisting that these laws are beneficial for farmers. Tomar has reportedly said that the “laws have been passed in parliament and the government is ready to incorporate the suggestions of farmers”.
The Centre wants to ensure the stir ends at the earliest because the agitating farmers have threatened to hold a rally on Republic Day (January 26) if the government refuses to agree to their demands.
Also read: Farmers’ protest: Sonia Gandhi urges Centre to follow ‘Raj Dharma’
Unlike last meeting, when farmer leaders shared food with government representatives, they were seen huddling together during lunch on Tuesday (January 4). A farmer leader is reported to have told the ministers: “You eat your food and we will eat our food”.
Last week’s picture showing Union agriculture minister Narendra Tomar, Commerce and Industry minister Piyush Goyal and his junior minister Som Prakash having lunch with farmer leaders in Vigyan Bhavan had given hope that the two sides are finally heading for a consensus. However, Tuesday’s meeting seems to have gone nowhere.
