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Nationwide Strike on July 9 Disrupts Key Sectors Across India

July 9, 2025, 9:14 am

More than 25 crore workers across India are expected to participate in a nationwide strike called ‘Bharat Bandh’ on July 9. This large-scale protest targets the central government’s policies, which many believe are “anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate.”

The strike is being led by a united platform of 10 central trade unions, along with farmer and rural labour groups such as the Samyukta Kisan Morcha. As a result, major disruptions are expected in key sectors across the country.

Protest Highlights Concerns Over Jobs and Worker Rights

The aim of this nationwide shutdown is to raise awareness about labour reforms, employment issues, and the government’s broader economic policies. Though the central government has not officially responded, the strike is likely to affect services nationwide.

Massive Participation Expected

More than 25 crore workers are likely to take part. This includes employees from banks, insurance companies, postal services, coal mines, steel plants, transport, and government offices. Farmers and rural workers will also hold protests across cities and villages.

Disruption Across Multiple Sectors

Leaders of the unions expect interruptions in banking, postal delivery, coal mining, public transport, and manufacturing in several states.

Groups like the Samyukta Kisan Morcha have extended support. They will organize protests in both urban and rural areas to strengthen the strike.

Unions spent months mobilizing workers from both the formal and informal sectors to ensure widespread participation.

17 Demands Submitted

The unions presented a 17-point list of demands to Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. Their requests include filling vacant posts, creating new job opportunities, and ensuring an urban job guarantee. They also criticized the government’s refusal to hold annual labour conferences, calling it a disregard for workers’ voices.

Clear Focus on Employment and MGNREGA

According to the joint forum, “We are demanding from the government to address unemployment, recruitments against sanctioned posts, creation of more jobs, increase in days and remuneration of MGNREGA workers and enactment of similar legislation for urban areas. But the government is busy imposing ELI (Employment Linked Incentive) scheme to incentives employers’ instead.”

Resistance to New Labour Codes

Unions have voiced concern over the four new labour codes passed by Parliament. They argue these laws reduce bargaining power, increase work hours, and weaken worker protections.

Opposition to Public Sector Hiring Practices

Union leaders criticized the trend of hiring retired professionals instead of young recruits in critical sectors like railways, NMDC Ltd, steel, and education.

Strong Stand Against Privatisation

The strike also targets privatisation of public sector companies, contract hiring, and outsourcing. Union leaders claim these practices undermine job stability.

Youth Unemployment Is a Major Concern

The protest comes amid rising youth unemployment, especially among those aged 20 to 25. With 65% of India’s population under 35, the unions say the job crisis must be addressed urgently.

Ongoing Worker Mobilisation Across Years

This is not the first major strike. Similar protests were held on February 16, 2023, November 26, 2020, and March 28–29, 2022, showing a continuing wave of unrest among India’s working class.

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha and agricultural worker unions have promised full support, especially by ensuring mass participation from rural areas.

Bharat Bandh Tomorrow: Will Schools, Banks Be Closed on July 9? Full Advisory Here

July 9, 2025, 12:03 am

Over 25 crore employees in public sector undertakings like banking, insurance, postal and construction are likely to observe a one-day countrywide strike or Bharat Bandh on Wednesday, July 9, a conclave of 10 central trade unions in India announced.

“The Bharat bandh will be disrupting services across the country. Banking, postal, coal mining, factories, state transport services will be affected due to the strike,” Harbhajan Singh Sidhu from Hind Mazdoor Sabha was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

Are banks closed tomorrow?

As per a PTI report, a union of bank staff stated the banking industry will join Wednesday’s Bharat bandh. The Bengal Provincial Bank Employees Association, which is affiliated to the All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA), also added that the insurance industry will join the strike.

Banking services will be disrupted in the country, but no banking holiday has yet been announced.

Will schools and colleges stay closed on Bharat bandh?

Schools and colleges have not received any notification for a holiday on account of the Bharat bandh call and are likely to operate as usual.

Will there be power cuts during the strike?

Referring to the PTI report, power supply in the nation is likely to also get impacted on July 9 since more than 27 lakh power employees will be part of the Bharat bandh.

Will the railways be functioning?

No word about a countrywide railway strike due to the Bharat bandh has come yet.

Commuters can anticipate delays in train services or disruption on account of the protests.

The 10 central trade unions’ forum organized the countrywide strike, blaming the government for failing to hold the annual labour conference in the past 10 years, and accusing that the economic policies are leading to increased employment loss, increasing prices of primary commodities, and wage depression.

The government departments were also blamed by the forum for being harmful to the development of the nation where 65 per cent of the population is under the age of 35 years and the unemployed population is highest among those in the age bracket of 20 to 25 years.

Bharat Bandh: General Strike to Hit Banks, Transport, Coal Mining Across India

July 8, 2025, 8:29 am

More than 25 crore workers across India will go on strike this Wednesday. The strike, called by a joint forum of ten major trade unions, aims to protest the central government’s labour and economic policies.

Workers Across Sectors Join Hands

To begin with, the strike will affect major services such as banking, insurance, postal services, coal mining, and transport. Workers from both formal and informal sectors will participate.

According to Amarjeet Kaur of AITUC, “More than 25 crore workers are expected to take part in the strike. Farmers and rural workers will also join the protest across the country.”

Widespread Disruption Expected

As a result, key public services and industries are likely to be severely disrupted. Harbhajan Singh Sidhu of the Hind Mazdoor Sabha said, “Banking, postal, coal mining, factories, and state transport services will be affected due to the strike.”

Why Are Workers Protesting?

At the core of the protest lies a 17-point charter of demands submitted last year to Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. Since then, the government has not responded. Moreover, it has not held the annual labour conference in the last ten years. Unions view this as proof of the Centre’s lack of concern for workers.

Strong Opposition to Labour Codes

Furthermore, the trade unions are opposing the four new labour codes. They believe these codes reduce workers’ rights and weaken collective bargaining. They also increase working hours and protect employers from punishment for labour law violations.

In a joint statement, the forum said, “The government has abandoned the welfare state status of the country and is working in the interest of foreign and Indian corporates, and it is so evident from its policies being pursued vigorously.”

Protest Against Privatisation and Outsourcing

In addition, the unions criticised the government for pushing privatisation, outsourcing, and casual employment in public services. They argued that these moves threaten job security and dignity of labour.

The forum also warned that the new labour codes are meant to, “suppress and cripple the trade union movement… snatch workers’ right to strike, and decriminalise violation of labour laws by employers.”

Farmers Extend Full Support

Meanwhile, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and other farmer unions have backed the strike. They plan to organise large mobilisations in rural areas.

Union leaders believe this united action between workers and farmers will make the protest stronger and harder to ignore.

Not the First National Strike

Finally, it is worth noting that this is not the first time unions have organised such a strike. Earlier strikes took place on November 26, 2020, March 28–29, 2022, and February 16, 2023. However, the government has not made any major concessions so far.

Bus Drivers Are Wearing Helmets During the Bengal Bandh, But Why? | Watch

August 28, 2024, 2:59 pm

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has called for a 12-hour bandh in West Bengal on Wednesday, from 6 am to 6 pm, to protest police actions during the Nabanna Abhijan rally. In response, bus drivers across several districts, including Kolkata and Cooch Behar, were seen wearing helmets while on duty.

Helmet Policy for Bus Drivers

A bus driver explained, “We are wearing the helmet as the bandh has been called today…The government has ordered us to wear the helmets for safety.” Another driver from the North Bengal State Transport Corporation (NBSTC) stated, “We are wearing helmets because of the bandh called by the BJP today…The department has given us the helmets to wear for safety.”

#WATCH | BJP’s 12-hour ‘Bengal Bandh’: Drivers of North Bengal State Transport Corporation (NBSTC) buses seen wearing helmets, in Cooch Behar

A bus driver says, “We are wearing helmets because of the bandh called by the BJP today…The department has given us the helmets to… pic.twitter.com/rfdxJv2kRq

— ANI (@ANI) August 28, 2024

A third driver admitted, “We’re a bit scared. Therefore, we are wearing helmets.”

#WATCH | BJP’s 12-hour ‘Bengal Bandh’: Drivers of North Bengal State Transport Corporation (NBSTC) buses seen wearing helmets, in Uttar Dinajpur

A bus diver says, “We are wearing the helmet as bandh has been called today…The government has ordered us to wear the helmets for… pic.twitter.com/TgEPJyD5zb

— ANI (@ANI) August 28, 2024

Government and Political Reactions

In the midst of the bandh, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad Foundation Day would be dedicated to the memory of a trainee doctor who was brutally raped and killed at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Banerjee expressed her condolences on social media, stating, “Today I dedicate Trinamool Chhatra Parishad Foundation Day to our sister, whom we mourned the tragic loss of at RG Kar Hospital a few days ago. And please, our heartfelt condolences to the family of the sister who was brutally tortured to death and seeking speedy justice, as well as to all the women of all ages across India who have been subjected to such inhumane acts.”

West Bengal Government’s Response to the Bandh

The West Bengal government has urged people to disregard the BJP’s strike, with Chief Advisor Alapan Bandopadhyay asserting, “The government will not allow any bandh on Wednesday. We urge people not to participate in it. All steps shall be taken to ensure that normal life is unaffected.” Additionally, a government notification stated that all government offices would remain open, and employees, except those with exigencies or on leave, must report for duty or face show-cause notices for unauthorized absences.

Violence During Nabanna Abhijan

On Tuesday, during the Nabanna Abhijan protest aimed at reaching the state secretariat, Nabanna, demonstrators clashed with police at multiple points. The Kolkata Police responded with a lathi-charge, water cannons, and tear gas to disperse the crowds. The violence, which lasted nearly four hours, resulted in injuries to several people, including senior police officers and female protesters.

Survey on Bharat Bandh

August 22, 2024, 12:19 am

The ‘Bharat Bandh’ organized by pro-quota groups in response to a Supreme Court ruling on sub-classification led to police baton-charging protesters in Bihar and road and rail blockages in various states. Despite these disruptions, normal life remained largely unaffected across the country. The protests were more intense in Dalit and tribal areas. The nationwide strike was initiated by 21 Dalit organizations.

61% of those surveyed reported trouble due to shop closures during the Bharat Bandh.

Here is the survey:

Q-1: Due to the Bharat Bandh, in what way were you troubled today?

Q-2: What punishment should be given to those who engage in violence and vandalism during the Bharat Bandh?

Q-3: What is the biggest loss caused to a country like India due to bandh politics?

Q-4: Should the creamy layer system be implemented in the SC-ST categories?

Maharashtra opposition calls for statewide Bandh on August 24 over Badlapur abuse case

August 21, 2024, 5:07 pm

Vijay Wadettiwar, the leader of the opposition in the Maharashtra assembly, announced that all Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) allies will join the statewide bandh on August 24. This action follows a call by the opposition to address the Badlapur sexual abuse case, which has stirred significant unrest.

The MVA alliance, consisting of Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT), Sharad Pawar’s NCP(SP), and the Congress, convened in Mumbai on Wednesday to deliberate on the issue. The decision to call a complete shutdown was made after discussions on the alleged failures of the BJP-led Mahayuti government, particularly concerning women’s safety.

The case in question involves the sexual abuse of two girls, both under four years old, by a male cleaning staff at a Badlapur school. The abuse occurred in a toilet with no female attendants present. The incident was uncovered when one of the girls reported pain to her parents. This revelation led to widespread protests in Badlapur, including a blockade of railway tracks at the local station.

In response, the Maharashtra government has announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter, and the accused has been arrested. However, opposition leaders have criticized the government for the alleged delay in registering the First Information Report (FIR), claiming that the victims’ parents had to wait 11 hours before the FIR was filed.

On Wednesday, Mumbai Congress President Varsha Gaikwad spearheaded a protest outside Mantralaya, the state secretariat, demanding swift action on the case. Wadettiwar and several Congress leaders joined her in criticizing the government’s handling of the situation, emphasizing the need for urgent reforms in the response to such incidents.

This protest and the upcoming bandh come amid heightened tensions following the Kolkata doctor rape-murder case, reflecting growing public frustration with handling sexual abuse cases.

Bharat Bandh: Patna SDM Accidentally Struck By Lathi-Charge | Viral Video

August 21, 2024, 4:15 pm

Patna SDM Shrikant Kundlik Khandekar was accidentally struck by a policeman during a lathi-charge on Bharat Bandh supporters on Wednesday.

In a viral video, the SDM, who was dressed in civilian clothing, is seen being hit by a policeman with a stick. The SDM appears surprised by the incident, while the policeman’s colleagues quickly remove him and inform him of the mistake. The policeman is then seen apologizing and conversing with the SDM.

Watch:

SDM was in civil dress, Bihar Police beat him thinking he was a protestor.??‍♂️?

Hope he doesn’t lose his job…

pic.twitter.com/5ckIhIpeF9

— Mr Sinha (@MrSinha_) August 21, 2024

The unusual event took place at Dak Bangla square in Patna, Bihar. Protesters, having broken barricades at the JP Golambar intersection, reached Dak Bangla, where security forces used lathi-charges and water cannons to control the crowd.

The Bharat Bandh, or nationwide shutdown, has received a mixed response, with the most significant impact observed in Bihar, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. The bandh was called by the ‘Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti’ in response to an August 1 ruling by the Supreme Court. The ruling, decided by a 6:1 majority, allows for further sub-classification of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) by state governments to extend quotas to more backward castes within these groups.

Organizers are demanding that the ruling be overturned and the central government reject the judgment. Their other demands include: ensuring justice and equity for SCs, STs, and Other Backward Classes; enacting a new Act of Parliament on reservations; releasing caste-based data on SC/ST/OBCs in central government jobs; setting a target of 50% representation for these groups in the higher judiciary; filling backlog vacancies in central/state government jobs and public sector undertakings.

Nationwide Bharat Bandh in Protest of SC’s Ruling on SC/ST Reservations

August 21, 2024, 2:33 pm

A nationwide strike, or “Bharat Bandh,” is taking place across India in protest of a recent Supreme Court decision regarding SC/ST reservations. Organized by the Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti, the bandh aims to oppose the ruling that allows sub-classification within SC/ST reservations.

In Bihar, Patna Police resorted to baton charges on protestors supporting the bandh. Similarly, in Rajasthan’s Bikaner district, a lockdown-like atmosphere has emerged. SC/ST community members are working in groups to ensure the success of the shutdown, while the police remain on high alert to prevent any untoward incidents. A procession was held from Kote Gate to the collector’s office.

In Ranchi, Jharkhand, bandh supporters blocked roads at Harmu Chowk, Kathal Mode, and Chapu Toli Chowk, burning tyres as part of their protest. Meanwhile, in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, large police forces were deployed. Joint Commissioner of Police, Shiv Hari Meena, confirmed that foot marches are being conducted to maintain law and order while minimizing inconvenience to the public.

Union Minister Jayant Singh Chaudhary stated, “The Supreme Court had made a comment, and the Law Minister clarified it in Parliament. The Cabinet has also stated its position, so there’s nothing more to add.”

The protest stems from the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling on August 1, which allowed states to sub-classify SCs and STs. The court ruled that the concerned authority must base representation on effectiveness rather than mere numbers. The ruling, decided by a 6:1 majority from a seven-judge bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, overruled a previous judgment that disallowed sub-classification. Justice Bela M Trivedi dissented, stating that sub-classification should not be permissible within SC/ST categories.

Justice BR Gavai suggested the creation of a policy to identify and exclude the “creamy layer” from affirmative action within SCs and STs. The decision has sparked widespread reactions, including today’s Bharat Bandh.

Bharat Bandh: Delhi-Bound Bihar Sampark Express Halted in Darbhanga, Bihar

August 21, 2024, 12:31 pm

Dalit and Adivasi organizations have announced a ‘Bharat Bandh,’ a peaceful strike aimed at highlighting the need for greater representation of marginalized communities in employment and education, and for the protection of their constitutional rights. This bandh is taking place in response to the recent Supreme Court ruling on the sub-categorization of quotas for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), as well as the debate over lateral entry into central civil services.

The National Confederation of Dalit and Adivasi Organisations (NACDAOR) has organized the bandh and released a list of demands, calling on the government to ensure social justice and fair representation for these communities. NACDAOR is urging all OBC and SC/ST groups to participate in the bandh peacefully and in large numbers.

Dalit and Adivasi Groups Call for Bharat Bandh to Demand Wider Representation and Protection of Reservation Rights

August 21, 2024, 8:46 am

Dalit and Adivasi organizations have called for a nationwide ‘Bharat Bandh’ on Wednesday, aiming to peacefully advocate for broader representation of marginalized communities in jobs and education, as well as to protect their constitutional rights. The strike, organized by the National Confederation of Dalit and Adivasi Organisations (NACDAOR), also includes demands to safeguard reservation rights among other issues. Emergency services and government offices are expected to remain functional during the bandh.

The Bharat Bandh follows a recent Supreme Court ruling on August 1, where a seven-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, ruled by a 6:1 majority that states can sub-categorize quotas for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) to ensure representation for more backward groups within these categories. NACDAOR has opposed the ruling, arguing that it undermines the landmark Indira Sawhney case, which established the framework for reservations.

Adding to the tension, on August 20, Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, Jitendra Singh, requested the withdrawal of advertisements for lateral entry into 45 posts of joint secretary, director, and deputy secretary levels. This move was criticized by Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, who claimed it was an attack on the reservation rights of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and SC/ST communities.

NACDAOR’s list of demands includes the rejection of the Supreme Court verdict and the introduction of a new central law protected from judicial review by the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution. Additionally, they are calling for the immediate release of caste-based data on SC/ST/OBC employees in government services and the filling of all backlog vacancies in central and state government departments, as well as public sector undertakings. The organization also advocates for private companies benefiting from government subsidies or investments to implement affirmative action policies.

Political parties like the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and Left parties have expressed their support for the Bharat Bandh. While public services are expected to be affected in states governed by these parties, emergency services such as hospitals, ambulances, and medical facilities will remain operational. There has been no official announcement regarding the closure of banks, government offices, or educational institutions. NACDAOR has urged all OBC and SC/ST groups to participate peacefully in the bandh.

Survey On 21 August Bharat Bandh

August 20, 2024, 11:52 pm

A nationwide strike, dubbed “Bharat Bandh,” is scheduled for August 21, 2024, in reaction to a recent Supreme Court ruling on SC/ST reservations. Organized by the Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti and backed by SC/ST groups from Rajasthan, the protest is anticipated to have widespread support. Law enforcement agencies are gearing up to manage the Bandh, with police directed to ensure order to address any issues.

51% Oppose Bharat Bandh Against SC-ST Reservation Quota

Here’s the Survey:

Q1: Do you support the Bharat Bandh against the SC-ST reservation quota in the Supreme Court today?

Q2: If the SC-ST reservation quota remains in the Supreme Court, what will be its impact?

Q3: Which political party will gain the most from the politics around the reservation issue?

Q4: Do you think the anti-reservation protests are an attempt to disrupt national unity?

Bharat bandh today: Nationwide farmers’ protest

February 16, 2024, 10:22 am

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) is one of the farmer unions that has called for a nationwide protest on Friday, February 16, under the name Gramin Bharat Bandh, in order to pressure the government into granting their demands. To join the central trade unions in the Gramin Bharat Bandh on February 16, all similar farmer organisations have been urged by the SKM.

In spite of the call for Bharat bandh, hundreds of farmers marching from Punjab have been stopped at the border of the state with Haryana near Ambala, approximately 200 kilometers away from Delhi. Haryana security forces have used tear gas to disperse them, and the Delhi Police are resolute in preventing their entry into the national capital should they attempt to advance.

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha, a non-political entity, has called upon comparable farmer organizations to join forces and partake in the Bharat bandh. The day-long protest is slated to take place from 6 am to 4 pm. Various sectors, including transportation, agricultural activities, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) rural works, private offices, village shops, and rural industrial and service sector institutions, are expected to experience closures due to the nationwide strike by farmer unions on Friday, February 16.

Farmers in Punjab and Haryana have recommenced their protests, demanding legislation that ensures a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their agricultural produce. Moreover, they aim to strengthen the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGS), reinstate the previous pension scheme, and guarantee pension and social security for all workers in both formal and informal sectors.

The SKM has communicated their demands to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which include an MSP for crops based on the Swaminathan formula of C2 50 (input cost of capital 50 per cent), a legal guarantee of procurement, debt waiver, no increase in electricity tariff, and no implementation of smart meters. They have also advocated for free 300 units of power for farming, comprehensive crop insurance, and an increase in pensions to ₹10,000 per month, among other requests.

Bharat Bandh underscores need for repeal of farm laws: Capt Amarinder

December 9, 2020, 3:01 am

CHANDIGARH: Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Tuesday said the unity showcased by the farmers through the Bharat Bandh had underscored the need for repeal of the new farm laws, followed by a detailed discussion on agricultural reforms.

The Chief Minister asked why the Centre could not heed the demands of the farmers, agitating across the country, to scrap these laws and hold fresh talks with all stakeholders. “Had I been in their place I would not have taken a minute to accept my mistake and revoke the laws,” he said.

Asserting that the whole country was with the farmers, Captain Amarinder said that the Centre should allow the existing system to continue instead of scrapping the arhtiya and mandi system, as the farm laws were designed to do. “Why are they doing away with it? They should let the farmers decide what they want,” he said, adding that nobody was stopping private players from purchasing but it could not be allowed at the cost of the well-established system which had stood the farmers in good stead all these decades.

The Chief Minister further demanded to know why the Government of India was not willing to give legitimacy to MSP, if their assertion of not abolishing it was sincere. “MSP is our right,” he said, adding that “if MSP is not guaranteed and another political party, apart from the Congress and the BJP, which is promising to conform with the support price, comes to power at the Centre, then who will take the responsibility of the farmers getting their minimum due?” He pointed out that the foodgrains bought at MSP were pushed into the PDS to feed the country’s poor and all that would end if MSP goes.

Categorically rejecting the BJP’s allegation that the Congress manifesto had also talked to scrapping the APMC Act, the Chief Minister said his party or Dr Manmohan Singh government never said that the existing system should be discontinued. The Congress manifesto spoke about modernisation and not about doing away with what we have, he said.

Making it clear that nobody was against private players, the Chief Minister pointed out that he was even now in talks with the UAE for supply for wheat and rice, and the country wanted to create storage facilities in India, including Punjab. In fact, even in his last tenure as CM, he tried to launch the farm-to-fork programme to promote private investment in agriculture related fields like storage, cold chain, food processing etc within the existing system but the Akalis later shelved it.

The Chief Minister appealed to the Centre not to write off Punjab’s agricultural prowess. “Crises will come with population growing, and next year is being predicted as a drought year… the country needs us, as we proved even during Covid times when we sent out 50 trains a day to feed the poor,” he noted, urging the Centre not to be short-sighted. “India’s food problems are not going to end… Let us be the producers of your food,” he added.

OPPOSITION IS SPREADING MISINFORMATION, SAYS PRAKASH JAVADEKAR

December 9, 2020, 2:50 am

NEWS DELHI: Calling Opposition parties hypocrites, Union minister Prakash Javadekar, in an exclusive interview to The Daily Guardian, said that the Narendra Modi government is committed to the betterment of farmers. He also said that all parties which are protesting today are the ones who have been asking for repealing the APMC Act when they were in power.

Excerpts:

Q: Farmers have called the Bharat Bandh along with support from most of the Opposition parties.

A:“I see that today’s movement is born out of misunderstanding among the farmers, which we (government) will correct, but we have no complaints against the farmers, but the Opposition parties, which till 2014 were speaking differently, today they have taken a U-turn. It was Sharad Pawar, and the UPA, who had made the law with the model APMC, then he was right, how did it go wrong today? The law was passed and implemented, and some 10 states which were ruled by UPA accepted it. The law said of Contract Farming came into force during the rule of Congress, and it was implemented in the states where Congress was in power. In 2010, Rahul Gandhi talked about changes in the APMC law, now how can he say that the changes made by the present government are wrong. The Congress has written in the manifesto of 2019 about the implementation of these three laws in a way, so how can they get rid of it now. It is just politics the Opposition is doing. And this politics is understood by everyone, it will not benefit them in any way.

Q: Farmers have said that the new farm laws will end the ‘mandi system’, they are also worried about ‘contract farming laws’. How will the government deal with it?

A: There is already a contract farming law in Punjab, which is not cancelled yet. There is a law for contract farming in 20 states; APMC will remain, it is not written anywhere in the law that APMC will be locked up, and the second demand that MSP will remain or not, that too remains. In fact, it has increased for the first time in a while, after the implementation of the farmers’ bills. Modiji has given MSP a profitable price. The Swaminathan Committee also declared that this benefit has been received. And farmers will also understand the facts, when their doubt gets cleared.

Q: The PM said in his public address that the three farm laws are very good for farmers. Five meetings have been held between the government and farmers, but no breakthrough has come. What is the way forward?

A: The farmers are a significant part of democracy. There has been a misunderstanding among them that we (government) will overcome. And if something has to be amended in the bills, it will be improved; the government has already said this officially. The three farm laws will benefit the farmers. The Opposition is spreading misinformation, but I am confident, that the government will dispel the myths. That is why I think, this is democracy and we should move in this sequence. The grand old party in its 2019 general elections manifesto had promised similar reforms. The Congress’ hypocrisy on the farm laws is exposed.

Opposition protesting under guise of farmers’ protest: Smriti Irani

December 9, 2020, 2:24 am

As farmers called the Bharat Bandh supported by Opposition parties, Union Textiles Minister spoke exclusively to The Daily Guardian and hit out at Opposition, saying that it is riled about the fact that the Modi government has decisively undertaken reforms which the Opposition failed to do when they were in power. Taking a jibe at Rahul Gandhi, she said that if the Gandhi family were serious about the interest of farmers, they should have first vacated the farmers’ land they have been squatting in Amethi. Excerpts:

Q: Farmers have called for Bharat Bandh which is also being supported by several Opposition parties. Your take on this.

A: I think the protest has been called by the Opposition parties and they have been trying to do it under the guise of farmers and farmers’ agitation. This Opposition, when they were in power, barely spent Rs 3 lakh crore in MSP operations in five years, as compared to the Modi government which has spent Rs 8 lakh crore only on MSP operations. That tells you the quantum that we have dedicated to MSP operations and especially that our farmers get the right price for their produce. Insofar as Opposition rallying around the farm bill is concerned, isn’t it fascinating that in Delhi the AAP has notified that very bill and it happens only when the policy is administratively and politically accepted by a sitting government. The Congress is speaking in forked tongue when its 2019 manifesto clearly says that it wants to do away with the APMC Act. In fact, erstwhile Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar had written demanding that the APMC Act in some way revoked, repealed or brought to absolute stop. Even parties like DMK have spoken in favour of agriculture reforms; I think the challenge for them is that the reform that they could not undertake because of political instability in their ecosystem compared to the reforms taken decisively by Narendra Modi. I think that since they missed that opportunity in Indian politics, that is what they rue today about the agriculture reforms.

Q: Farmers are asking for MSP to be put in writing; they are apprehensive…

A: When farmers say that they are apprehensive, one needs to recognise that; there was a hue and cry made in September that MSP operation won’t take place henceforth. The fact that until 5 December, 33 lakh farmers, for procurement of rice, partook in the MSP operation and over Rs 60,000 crore was paid to them directly into their bank accounts. At least 336 lakh metric tonnes of rice were procured; that itself tells you that MSP operations are thriving in the country. You need not rely on the Government of India’s stance; those 33 lakh farmers are certification enough for those who don’t want to believe. The Opposition also pronounced that the mandi system will come to a halt post the passage of the bill. Mandis are thriving across the country. Ironically, it’s the Opposition parties’ karyakartas who are going with a stick in their hand trying to shut down the mandis. The fact that the bandh is unsuccessful is a testament to the fact that the Indian citizens want to progress and they recognise that these reforms are very much needed, not only for the farming community, but also for the Indian economy.

Q: The government had five rounds of meeting with the agitating farmers, but the stalemate continues. What is the way forward?

A: The government has been showing its commitment in engaging in dialogue and deliberation. Since October, you have seen not only ministers, but also officials engaged at various levels with all kisan sangathans who wanted to have a dialogue. And I am hopeful that when you come as a part of platform or indulge in dialogue, you will within the constitutional framework understand what the government is saying; more so, the fact that MSP operations are going on successfully across the country is a testimony in not only the government’s commitment, but the fact that the government assurance on the floor of the House has found merit in the open market where the farmers themselves can see that, yes, MSP operations did not come to a grinding halt, in fact, more has been procured compared to many years before.

Q: The Congress has adopted an aggressive stand on this and is saying that the government has to repeal the laws.

A: Rahul Gandhi is aggressive? My appeal through you to the Gandhi family is that this family, this trio, is sitting on farm land in Samrat cycle. I appeal again, you have taken the land of farmers in Amethi; please first return that. I am not here talking about Mr Vadra and his misadventure; I am particularly talking about Mrs Vadra, and Rahul Gandhi; please return the land of the needy farmers if you truly believe in empowering farmers. That is the land you are personally squatting on.

Q: You said that Delhi government has notified these bills. Today in the morning, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal claimed that he has been put under house arrest by Delhi Police.

A: I think the political formula that the CM of Delhi has undertaken today is quite stale now; quite old, and I think these hands have been played quite often. I will only say that we are extremely grateful that he notified the bills in November because that shows his administrative and political acceptance of the farm bill.

BANDH GETS MIXED TO POOR RESPONSE ACROSS BHARAT

December 9, 2020, 2:17 am

New Delhi: The Bharat Bandh called by farmers’ organisations against the farm laws evoked mixed to poor response in several states on Tuesday. Several Opposition parties had also extended support to the call for the farmers’ call for nationwide shutdown.

Except for Punjab, parts in Uttar Pradesh and some parts of Delhi and Haryana, the presence of farmers’ organisations on the roads to enforce the bandh was not largely noticeable.

In the Northeast, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh, the bandh call evoked little or lukewarm response. The train services remained largely normal and efforts were made to quickly lift blockades at places where traffic was disrupted. Shops, business establishments, offices and airports remained functional.

In Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka, the police took action in instances of forcible closure of shops by activists of political parties.

The bandh saw mixed response in Opposition-ruled states. In Rajasthan, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot’s call to observe the Bharat Bandh in a peaceful manner proved futile on Tuesday after Congress workers gheraoed and pelted stones at the state BJP headquarters in Jaipur, getting embroiled in a clash with the workers of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM).

Terming the Congress workers as ‘goons’, state BJP president Satish Poonia tweeted tagging Gehlot, “Congress goons pelted stones at BJP state headquarters in the presence of police. What kind of bandh is this? What kind of protest is this? What is the reason for this and what is the fuss about?” He also asked the CM where is his democracy and good governance model? “This much pride is not good,” he said.

In Punjab, over 50,000 government employees have taken mass casual leave in support of farmers, said Punjab Civil Secretariat Staff Association president Sukhchain Khaira, PTI reported.

Major cities in Congress-ruled Chhattisgarh, including its capital Raipur, wore a deserted look too with most business establishments closed and public transport keeping away.

In Patna, supporters of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), the Jan Adhikar Party (JAP) and the Left parties participated in a protest march on Tuesday. The Opposition parties’ supporters blocked the Dak Bungalow Chowk intersection leading to disruption of traffic.

Maharashtra too saw mixed response. In Matunga area of Mumbai, shops remained open and regular traffic movement was seen.

The farmers continued to block Delhi borders during their symbolic four-hour ‘chakka jam’ protest at Ghazipur-Ghaziabad (Delhi-UP) border as part of Bharat Bandh call.

Protesters blocked railway tracks at several places in West Bengal, Maharashtra, Bihar and Odisha.

Although Delhi remained peaceful, tension spiralled after the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) alleged that Delhi Police had put Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal under house arrest ever since he returned from Singhu border. Delhi Police, however, refuted the claims, saying they were “baseless”.

In Delhi, most main markets remained open but app-based cabs and autos, except for a few, were off the roads. As for the Delhi Metro services, entry and exit gates of Pandit Shree Ram Sharma station on Green Line were closed.

Farmers are protesting in border areas of Delhi since November 26 against the three newly enacted laws – Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020, the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020, and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.

Leaders of farmer groups have held five rounds of talks with the government but all of them remained inconclusive so far. The next round of talks is scheduled to be held on Wednesday.

WITH AGENCY INPUTS

Shiv Sena says Bandh not political, APMC market in Maharashtra to remain closed today

December 8, 2020, 3:48 am

MUMBAI: The state Assembly has passed the “Andhra Pradesh Disha (Special Courts For Specified Offences Against Women And Children) Bill, 2020”, and the Andhra Pradesh Land Titling Bill, 2020 by voice vote.

Explaining the silent features of the Bill, Home Minister Mekathoi Sucharitha, who tabled the Disha Bill, said the Andhra Pradesh Disha (Special Courts For Specified Offences Against Women And Children) Bill, 2019 Bill has been withdrawn and the new Bill is introduced which has provisions for speedy trial.

Across the state, 18 Disha police stations were set up and they have obtained ISO certification as women and child-friendly stations. A Disha application has been introduced and 12 lakh people have downloaded the app till date, the Home Minister said. The Bill was passed by voice vote and members welcomed it.

The House also passed the Andhra Pradesh Land Titling Bill, 2020 which proposes to provide permanent land ownership and settle disputes over the boundaries and ownership. Revenue Minister Dharmana Krishna Das said that Chief Minister Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy took a historic decision, for the first time in the country, of introducing this Bill and the government will distribute land titling pattas once the comprehensive survey is completed. The Bill was passed by voice vote and members welcomed it.

The House also passed the AP Municipal Laws (Second Amendment) Bill as per Article 197 (1) of the constitution of India, which proposes to amend the house tax structure by a nominal hike. Municipal Administration Minister said the Bill has been rejected by the Council and was again introduced in Assembly. The Bill was also passed by voice vote for the second time, while the Opposition took objection to the contents of the Bill which were clarified by the Minister.

The House also passed the Andhra Pradesh Electricity Duty (Amendment) Bill, 2020, tabled by Energy Minister Balineni Srinivasa Reddy. The Minister explained the amendments of the Bill and it was passed by voice vote.

AS CONG, INLD SUPPORT BHARAT BANDH, KHATTAR SLAMS OPPOSITION FOR POLITICISING PROTESTS

December 8, 2020, 3:37 am

CHANDIGARH: Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Monday accused all the Opposition parties of playing politics with the lives of the farmers to further their own interests.

Khattar was in Gurugram on the occasion of Armed Forces Flag Day on Monday.

“The farmers are protesting in a peaceful manner and anyone can protest in India in such manner. But few groups of people and political parties have come forward to support the farmers. I would like to suggest them to stop playing dirty politics in the name of the farmers. A conversation between the farmers and the Central government is underway and I hope it will end with some good response,” Khattar said.

Khattar also alleged that some political parties and organisations are “sponsoring” the farmers’ protest against the Centre’s new farm laws and claimed that Haryana farmers have not participated in the stir.

Meanwhile, the main Opposition parties—Congress and the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD)—joined hands to support the Bharat Bandh call given by several farmers’ organisations on 8 December.

INLD general secretary and MLA Abhay Singh Chautala declared support to Bharat Bandh called by the farmer organisations on December 8. He said, “The day when the farmers’ agitation started, our party announced that each and every worker of the INLD party will fight this battle shoulder to shoulder to strengthen this movement and to abolish the three black laws imposed by the central government.”

The INLD leader said that he would visit the Tikri border on 9 December and meet the leaders of the farmer organisations who are conducting the movement. “We will not back down even if we have to sacrifice anything to make this movement successful. Whatever the farmer leaders will impose on us, we will do it by standing in the front row,” he said.

What’s however worrying the BJP is the reaction of the legislators belonging to the JJP along with several independents, namely Balraj Kundu, Dharam Gonder and Somveer Sangwan, who continue to support the agrarian community. Most of the legislators belonging to the JJP, the alliance partner of the ruling BJP, continue to support farmers.

Apart from this, a string of state unions have extended support to Bharat Bandh, urging the government to withdraw all these laws. Haryana Pradesh Petroleum Dealer Association favoured the farmers stating that the government should rethink about these laws while coming out in support of farmers. Sarv Karmachari Sangh, Haryana announced to be the part of Bharat Bandh and is of the opinion that these laws are anti-democratic and will have adverse effects on farmers.

It is pertinent to mention that expressing their solidarity with farmers, several councilors across the state have resigned from the post.Besides, the sportspersons including wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat extended support to farmers, while international boxer Vijender Singh already threatened to return Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award along with all benefits if the government does not take back these farm laws.

With agency inputs

AHEAD OF BHARAT BANDH, BJP SLAMS OPPOSITION’S ‘DOUBLE STANDARDS’

December 8, 2020, 2:33 am

New Delhi: Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Monday accused the Opposition parties led by Congress of “double standards” while claiming that they were opposing farm reforms just because it was brought by the present BJP government.

Prasad, while addressing a Press conference at the party headquarters in Delhi, presented documents and media reports of the UPA times, to prove that the Congress and other Opposition parties—who were protesting against the farm bills that was recently passed by the Modi government—had tried to bring in the same reforms when they were in power.

The farmers, mostly from Punjab and Haryana, backed by Opposition parties, have called for a “Bharat Bandh” on Tuesday.

“The Congress, in their 2019 manifesto, had promised to repeal the Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) Act and make trade of agricultural produce including export free from all restrictions. In 2013, Rahul Gandhi had called a meeting of all Congress chief ministers and said Congress-ruled states should give farmers the right to sell directly,” Prasad said.

Prasad presented official communications to show that the previous UPA government had called a CM meeting in 2013 and directed their CMs to allow farmers to sell their products directly without involving the APMC in Congress ruled states. “Rahul Gandhi had issued these directions. Congress ruled states were asked to delist fruits and vegetables from APMC Act by January 2015”, he said.

According to Prasad, on 11 August 2010, former Union minister and NCP supremo Sharad Pawar, who is also opposing the farm law now, in a letter to then Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit had written, “As you are aware, the agriculture sector needs well-functioning markets to drive growth, employment, and economic prosperity. This requires huge investment in market infrastructure and for this private sector participation is essential for which an appropriate regulatory and policy environment needs to be in place.”

Pawar, in a media interview which he gave when he was the agriculture minister, had stated that the APMC act will be abolished within six months maximum, Prasad claimed while quoting Pawar’s words where he had said, “Unless you are ready to amend the market act and allow the private sector players to enter in the area there will not be any financial support from government of India to the state.”

Prasad further presented official documents that showed that the Planning Commission under the UPA government had given a report of the working group on agricultural marketing infrastructure in which it had stated that the central government may enact inter-state agriculture produce trade and commerce regulation act.

He stated that there was no law under the new act which allows the farmer’s land to be bought by the corporate groups, as the opposition parties were saying. “The lands will not be sold, mortgaged or leased under the new laws”, Prasad said while quoting section 8 of the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020

Prasad also charged Yogendra Yadav, who has emerged as the face of protest, of practicing double standards while presenting an article written by Yadav that accused the Modi government of “washing” its hands of APMC Act, citing state subject” and not taking steps to reform it.

Punjab Congress president Sunil Jakhar, on the other hand, blamed the Centre for the ongoing farmers’ agitation, saying the NDA government was responsible for the protests as it had not held discussions with the farmers before enacting the new laws and the “The only solution is to call a session of Parliament and repeal the laws,” Jakhar said.

Meanwhile, Opposition parties except for Trinamool Congress (TMC) have lent their support to the farmers’ ‘’Bharat Bandh’’ call.Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said that his party will hold demonstrations in all states on Tuesday. “Congress has supported the voice of farmers and will support Bharat Bandh on December 8 in every district and state. All parties and even NDA allies are concerned. Our district and state units will hold demonstrations,” Khera said.

DMK president M.K. Stalin also extended support to the Bharat Bandh. “The Opposition has already said that we will support the bandh and participate in it,” he said.

CPI general secretary D. Raja said that the Central government, instead of being adamant, should repeal the new farm laws. “The government should not remain adamant and should agree to repeal anti-farmer, anti-national agrarian laws. After several rounds of talks, the government is not conceding. Farmers have given a call for Bharat Bandh. Our party has given support and extended solidarity with protesting farmers,” he said.

BSP spokesperson Sudhindra Bhadoria said that his party is in support of farmers and their call for Bharat Bandh. “After these bills came, farmers are protesting. But the government is not listening to them. The government should leave this attitude and agree to farmers’ demands. BSP chief Mayawati has supported Bharat Bandh. BSP is in support of farmers,” he said.

Telangana Rashtra Samithi MLC K. Kavitha also announced her party’s support for the Bharat Bandh.

However, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Saugata Roy said that his party stands with protesting farmers, but will not support the Bharat Bandh in West Bengal. “TMC stands with agitating farmers, but we will not support Bharat bandh in West Bengal. It (bandh) goes against our principles,” he said.

Other Opposition parties, including Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Communist Party of India (Marxist), Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist), Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Samajwadi Party (SP), All India Forward Bloc (AIFB), Shiv Sena and National Congress Party (NCP), have also extended their support for the ‘Bharat Bandh’ call. The leaders of the Opposition parties issued a joint statement while extending solidarity with farmers’ call for a Bharat Bandh on 8 December demanding the withdrawal of “retrograde Agri-laws”.

Sukhbir Singh Badal-led Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), which left the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to protest against farm laws, has also announced to lend its support to Bharat Bandh.

The Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP), an ally of the BJP in Rajasthan, has also extended its support to the call for ‘Bharat Bandh by farmers’. Demanding that PM Narendra Modi should withdraw the farm laws, party chief Hanuman Beniwal on Sunday announced that the party will decide on whether or not to stay in the NDA after 8 December.

Hundreds of farmers have been protesting on different borders of the national capital since November 26 against the three newly enacted farm laws—Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020, the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020, and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.

Farmers’ leaders have held several rounds of talks with the government but all of them remained inconclusive so far. After the fifth round of talks, Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar has called another meeting on 9 December.

WITH INPUTS FROM AGENCIES