The farmers protest in India continues its sixth day with crucial talks scheduled between farmer leaders from Punjab and Union ministers in Chandigarh today, February 18th. While previous rounds failed to yield conclusive results, both sides hope to break the deadlock over the demand for a Minimum Support Price (MSP) guarantee for crops.
Key Points:
- Fourth round of talks: Union ministers Arjun Munda, Piyush Goyal, and Nityanand Rai will meet farmers’ representatives in Chandigarh at 5 PM IST.
- Internet ban extended: Internet services remain suspended in parts of Punjab to curb potential unrest, sparking criticism from opposition parties.
- Farmers’ demands: MSP guarantee, implementation of Swaminathan Commission recommendations, pensions for farmers, and withdrawal of police cases.
- Escalating protests:Â Bhartiya Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait announces dharnas in four states on February 21st if demands aren’t met.
Live Updates:
- 7:56 PM: Samyukta Kisan Morcha, a leading farmers’ union, announces a three-day gherao of BJP leaders’ residences in Punjab starting Tuesday. This escalates pressure on the government to accept their demands, including a legal guarantee for MSP.
- 7:37 PM: Union ministers’ panel, including Arjun Munda and Piyush Goyal, arrives in Chandigarh for the fourth round of talks with farmers at 5 PM IST. Hopes run high for a breakthrough.
- 6:45 PM: Farmer leader Sarvan Singh Pandher reveals the government requesting more time to discuss the issues with ministers and find a solution. The wait continues.
- 6:25 PM: Former Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda urges the government to make a clear decision regarding the farmers’ MSP demands. Pressure mounts on the Center.
- 5:45 PM: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal expresses hope for a positive outcome from the ongoing talks between farmers and the government.
- 4.40 PM: Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu attacks BJP over MSP claims, calling them lies.
- 3.45 PM:Â Congress highlights its farmer-friendly policies during its regime.
- 2.45 PM:Â Internet ban extended in Punjab districts till February 24th.
- 1.34 PM:Â Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal criticizes government’s neglect of farmers.
- 1.29 PM:Â Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher urges government to act before elections.
- 12.30 PM:Â Dallewal calls for ordinance on MSP and notification on Swaminathan Commission recommendations.
- 10.50 AM:Â BJP leader Ashok Tanwar praises government’s farmer welfare initiatives.
- 10.15 AM:Â Farmers announce dharnas across four states on February 21st.
Stay tuned for further updates on the farmers’ protest in India.
