Farmers’ march highlights: Representatives of 21 political parties come together for farmers

Updated: Saturday, December 1, 2018, 0:15 [IST]

New Delhi, Nov 30: Representatives of 21 political parties, including opposition leaders like Rahul Gandhi, Sharad Pawar, Sitaram Yechury, Farooq Abdullah and Sharad Yadav, stood together on the stage at the massive farmers gathering at Jantar Mantar on Friday.

Farmers’ march updates: I demand Central govt to implement Swaminathan report, urges Kejriwal

Thousands of farmers are pressing for various demands that include debt relief and remunerative prices for their produce. In addition to this, they are also demanding that a special session of Parliament be convened to discuss issues relating to agrarian distress across the country.

Over 3,500 police personnel were deployed on the route of the march special medical arrangements were in place in Central and New Delhi police districts.

Here are the updates from the Farmers' March:

Nov 30, 2018, 6:52 PM IST

Shahs Tharoor tweets, "Let us set aside our political differences and work together to address the concerns of our farmers. They are the backbone of our country and they deserve better. Economic justice & social justice are twin goals of our Constitution. We cannot fulfil them while ignoring farmers."

Nov 30, 2018, 5:17 PM IST

Asserting that the BJP led Centre had failed the farmers, CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechury called PM Modi a pocketmaar (Pickpocket). “We will continue to support the farmers. We support both the bills. We will keep pressuring the government to pass the bills and make laws. We want to tell the government of the day that if you do not listen to the demands, we will use the power to dethrone you,” Yechury earlier said.

Nov 30, 2018, 5:11 PM IST

Rahul Gandhi earlier reiterated his Soot Buit ki sarkar jibe and raked up Rafale deal issue at the farmers' protest.

Nov 30, 2018, 5:06 PM IST

Earlier, while addressing the protesters, Rahul Gandhi said, "If this government can waive Rs 3.5 lakh crore loans of 15 big industrialists, why can't the loans of crores of farmers in the country be waived?"

Nov 30, 2018, 4:55 PM IST

“The country whose farmers are sad can never progress. The prime minister and BJP haven’t kept their promise. They didn’t implement the Swaminathan report, which they promised to implementm” says Arvind Kejriwal.

Nov 30, 2018, 4:53 PM IST

“Kisan Bima Yojana only benefits firms and that the government should stop the scheme,” Kejriwal says.

Nov 30, 2018, 4:41 PM IST

Now, Former J&K Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah speaks at farmers' protest at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi

Nov 30, 2018, 4:22 PM IST

Farmers deserve better, says Shashi Tharoor

The Economic Survey of India (2017-2018) revealed that real agricultural income has remained constant for the last 4 years. The growth in gross value added (GVA) in agriculture declined from 6.3% in 2016-17 to 2.1% in 2017-18.
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) November 30, 2018

Nov 30, 2018, 4:20 PM IST

A farmer from Tamil Nadu display human skulls and bones during a protest ahead of their march towards Parliament, at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi

Nov 30, 2018, 4:15 PM IST

Opposition leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal and Farooq Abdullah at farmers protest in Delhi

Opposition leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal and Farooq Abdullah at farmers protest in Delhi pic.twitter.com/ThHeMKGrpm
— ANI (@ANI) November 30, 2018

Nov 30, 2018, 4:15 PM IST

Five months are left, I demand that the Central Government implement Swaminathan report or these farmers will wreak havoc in 2019, says Kejriwal

Nov 30, 2018, 4:12 PM IST

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal says if Prime Minister Narendra Modi had devoted even 10% of the attention he gives to industrialists, the farmers would not have taken to the streets. "Modi is harmful for Delhi and Delhiites," says Kejriwal.

Nov 30, 2018, 4:11 PM IST

"India is made and run by farmers, youth and labourers and we stand by them," Rahul says amid cheers from protesting farmers. Several other leaders such as Sharad Yadav, Arvind Kejriwal and Sitaram Yechury are also in attendance at the rally to show their support for the farmers.

Nov 30, 2018, 3:57 PM IST

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi repeats his Rafale attack at the government, says Prime Minister Narendra Modi only speaks for the industrialists. He says a government that disrespects the youth and farmers will be removed by the country.

Nov 30, 2018, 3:57 PM IST

Rahul Gandhi says PM Modi has duped the nation in the name of NPAs; adds that farmers and youth have been ignored by the government

Nov 30, 2018, 3:57 PM IST

Rahul Gandhi joins protest, says farmers not asking for free gifts but their right

Nov 30, 2018, 3:49 PM IST

Rahul Gandhi joined thousands of agitators gathered near Parliament. Meanwhile, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal will arrive shortly.

Nov 30, 2018, 3:43 PM IST

Psephologist and political activist Yogendra Yadav's political outfit Swaraj India has been backing the farmers' massive protests in New Delhi. While addressing the farmers Yadav said that the ruling government was anti-farmer and its policies were flawed at a fundamental level.

Nov 30, 2018, 3:36 PM IST

Congress President Rahul Gandhi will be joining the Kisan Mukti March shortly to stand in support of India's farmers

Congress President @RahulGandhi will be joining the #KisanMuktiMarch shortly to stand in support of India's farmers. #CongressWithKisan pic.twitter.com/AEsWpSEABs
— Congress (@INCIndia) November 30, 2018

Nov 30, 2018, 3:29 PM IST

Yeschury said,''BJP, Modi & RSS have only one weapon in hand that is Ram Temple. As the elections are approaching, they have started chanting ‘Ram Ram'.'' Yechury also said the Left parties will raise the issues of farmers in Parliamet but blamed the government for not paying heed to the troubles of the common man.

Nov 30, 2018, 3:27 PM IST

We will continue our fight for as long as we require to fight it and will raise this matter in the Parliament, says Sitaram Yechury

Nov 30, 2018, 3:21 PM IST

Supporting the farmers' march in New Delhi, former prime minister H D Deve Gowda Friday said, along with "ease of doing business", India should also better itself in "ease of doing agriculture". Referring to the Karnataka government's farm loan waiver initiative, the JD(S) supremo urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi issue proper direction to banks who are issuing notices to farmers and creating uncertainties. "Modi Government and BJP are boasting about betterment of India's position in the 'Ease of Doing Business' index. But, with 'Ease of Doing Business', India should also better itself in 'Ease of Doing Agriculture'.

Modi Government and BJP are boasting about betterment of India's position in the 'Ease of Doing Business' index. But, with 'Ease of Doing Business', India should also better itself in 'Ease of Doing Agriculture'. This is very important @narendramodi avare.#FarmersMarch
— H D Devegowda (@H_D_Devegowda) November 30, 2018

Nov 30, 2018, 3:20 PM IST

CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP government at the Centre over the agrarian crisis in the country. "The only thing this government can do is to take Ram's name. The BJP and the RSS do this every five years," he said.

Nov 30, 2018, 2:40 PM IST

Rahul Gandhi will attend Kisan Mukti March today. He is also likely to meet farmers at 3:30 pm

Nov 30, 2018, 2:04 PM IST

Deputy commissioner of police (New Delhi) Madhur Verma said farmers were given permission to hold rally from Ramlila Maidan to Jantar Mantar after multiple rounds of talks. He said that multiple layers of barricades have been put in place around protest sites'.

Nov 30, 2018, 1:37 PM IST

Over 3,500 police personnel have been deployed on the route of the march. According to a senior police officer, special arrangements have been made in Central and New Delhi police districts. Farmers from different parts of the country, including Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh converged at the Ramlila ground on Thursday.

Nov 30, 2018, 1:30 PM IST

A group of doctors, who had taken off from work, were offering medical aid till about 11 pm on Thursday. Rashid, a junior resident at AIIMS was among the doctors volunteering, told PTI, "I took an off today from work, as I had to be here. They feed us, and we are not doing any favour by helping them, we are serving them."

Nov 30, 2018, 1:29 PM IST

Delhi Police held multiple rounds of talks with farmers' leaders & gave permission for rallying from Ramlila Maidan to Jantar Mantar, with conditions. We hope that they'll follow the conditions

Nov 30, 2018, 1:29 PM IST

DCP (New Delhi) Madhur Verma on farmers' protest, says 'Proper arrangements done for security, traffic, & law and order. Around 8,000 farmers have reached Ramlila Maidan. They will conclude their march at Parliament Street & culminate their protest from there.'

Nov 30, 2018, 1:04 PM IST

The farmers were allowed to go to Parliament street following due permission from the Delhi Police.

Nov 30, 2018, 8:26 am IST

Former Prime Minister, H D Deve Gowda said no government can survive without the support of the farmers. The union government must listen to their demands, he also said.

Nov 30, 2018, 8:27 am IST

“Over 3L farmers have committed suicide in India in last 15 yrs, due to successive govts betraying them. Tomorrow 1 lakh farmers from across the country are marching to Delhi to ask for fair prices & freedom from debt. Let’s stand in solidarity with them,” advocate Prashant Bhushan said in a tweet.

Nov 30, 2018, 8:27 am IST

The farmers under the banner of the All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee arrived at the national capital from various parts of the country. They marched to Ramlila Maidan from four corners of the city- Anand Vihar, Nizamuddin, Bijwasan Railway Station and Sabzi Mandi.

Nov 30, 2018, 8:27 am IST

Stretches around Ramlila Ground, Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, Deshbandhu Gupta Road, Rani Jhansi Road, Mandir Marg, Panchkuian Road, Barakhamba Road, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, Janpath, Ashoka Road, Ferozshah Road, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Jai Singh Road and the inner and outer circles of Connaught Place are set to be affected.

Nov 30, 2018, 8:27 am IST

The Delhi Police has not granted permission to the farmers to march from Ramlila Ground to Parliament House.

Nov 30, 2018, 8:35 am IST

Many political leaders have confirmed their participation in the Kisan Mukti March. Those who will attend tha rally include Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, National Conference's Farooq Abdullah, Trinamool Congress' Dinesh Trivedi, Loktantrik Janata Dal's Sharad Yadav. Former PM and JD(S) leader HD Deve Gowda will also the agitating farmers.

Nov 30, 2018, 8:39 am IST

In last 20 years 3 lakh farmers have committed suicide due to this so called liberal policy, says Dr. Ashok Dhawale, National President, All India Kisan Sabha

Nov 30, 2018, 8:40 am IST

Yesterday, an army of agricultural workers marched down the streets of Delhi to press for their demands for higher crop prices, farm loan waivers, and more. They will be marching to Parliament Street today.

Nov 30, 2018, 9:29 am IST

The Delhi Jal Board will provide them with water tanks and Aam Aadmi Party legislators will give food packets. Volunteers of the AAP have put up scores of tents at the Anand Vihar station for farmers who arrived there and are also providing snacks and water to them, he added.

Nov 30, 2018, 9:29 am IST

Ramlila Grounds, known for hosting big political events over the years, resonated with slogans like 'Ayodhya nahi, karz maafi chahiye' as farmers wearing red caps and carrying red flags started to gather.

Nov 30, 2018, 9:29 am IST

Police said they have made elaborate arrangements for the rally on Friday, when the farmers will begin their march from Ramlila Ground to Parliament Street.

Nov 30, 2018, 9:30 am IST

Support for the farmers poured in with activists taking to Twitter to ask the general public to join the march.

Nov 30, 2018, 9:30 am IST

Inside the tents at the Ramlila ground, farmers, both men and women, from all parts of India braved a chilly night, while many sat huddled together, discussing the next strategy and family issues.

Delhi: #Visuals from Ramlila Maidan on the second day of 2-day protest by farmers from all across the nation, who are asking for debt relief, better MSP for crops, among other demands pic.twitter.com/Awkh9uwIbh
— ANI (@ANI) November 30, 2018

Nov 30, 2018, 10:39 am IST

Students from Delhi University have also reached the ground and were helping out with the arrangements.

Nov 30, 2018, 10:39 am IST

A host of top leaders are set to join the farmers’ march. Those expected are Sharad Pawar, Farooq Abdullah, Sharad Yadav and Arvind Kejriwal.

Nov 30, 2018, 10:44 am IST

Vounteers, including doctors, lawyers, professors and artists, all came out in large numbers in support of the agitating farmers.

Nov 30, 2018, 11:02 am IST

Five Gurdwaras in Delhi have extended their help to the farmers. Bangla Sahib Gurdwara, Sisganj Sahib, Rakabganj, Bap Sahib and Manju Ka Tila provided accommodation to farmers for the night.

Nov 30, 2018, 11:03 am IST

Meanwhile, the Traffic police has issued an advisory

pic.twitter.com/eIcaOTERBC
— Delhi Traffic Police (@dtptraffic) November 30, 2018

Nov 30, 2018, 11:09 am IST

Down Down Modi government is one of the loudest slogans heard at the protest march. The farmers have also said that they want farm loan waiver and not a temple at Ayodhya.

Nov 30, 2018, 11:15 am IST

Thousands of farmers, including members of Kisan Mukti Morcha, from across the country head towards the Parliament on day two of the protest to press for their demands, including debt relief and remunerative prices for their produce.

Nov 30, 2018, 11:26 am IST

The kisan rally has now moved ahead and reached Ranjit Singh flyover, blocking traffic on both sides of the road.

Nov 30, 2018, 11:27 am IST

Over 8,000 rallying protesters affect traffic near Jawaharlal Nehru Marg. According to the Delhi Traffic Police, commuters are likely to face inconvenience as traffic has been diverted in central Delhi due to farmers' protest. The protesters have blocked both routes on Jawaharlal Nehru Marg as they head to Parliament.

Nov 30, 2018, 11:29 am IST

Leaders like Yogendra Yadav and students of Delhi University joined in the farmers protest in Delhi

Our young friends from Delhi University join #KisanMuktiMarch
This is the India of 21st century, where compassion is the Mantra. pic.twitter.com/taRNb3AolA
— Yogendra Yadav (@_YogendraYadav) November 29, 2018

Nov 30, 2018, 11:30 am IST

Farmers wait near Jantar Mantar on the second day of 2-day protest by farmers from all across the nation

Nov 30, 2018, 11:32 am IST

In New Delhi district, 346 police personnel, up to the rank of sub-inspectors, have been deployed and 600 personnel from other districts will also help them, the official said. Nine police companies, along with 71 officers, from the rank of inspectors up to additional DCPs, are also present.

Nov 30, 2018, 11:59 am IST

Around 1,000 traffic police personnel have been deployed between Ramlila Maidan and Parliament, to ensure that commuters do not face inconvenience.

Nov 30, 2018, 12:02 pm IST

Mobile toilets have been set up at Parliament Street for the farmers. Scores of Delhi University students are also providing essentials to the protesters.

Nov 30, 2018, 12:08 pm IST

Thousands of farmers, including members of Kisan Mukti Morcha, from across India have reached Parliament street in a two-day-long rally to press for their demands. Farm leaders will deliver speeches in the afternoon.

Nov 30, 2018, 12:10 pm IST

Taking to Twitter, CPI(M) tweeted,''Narendra Modi hosh mein aao, kisano se mat takrao!.''