Maharashtra Farmers outfit protests over farm laws; 'Won't let union ministers in state'

To support agitating farmers of Punjab and Haryana, Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana on Tuesday held street protests in Kolhapur, Pune and or parts of Maharashtra against farm laws passed by Centre. Party president Raju Shetti warned y would t allow any Union minister in Maharashtra if Centre does t address farmers’ concerns.

"In name of reforms, Centre is giving absolute powers to corporate and big business houses. Instead of empowering farmers, y are going to become more vulnerable, being left at mercy of big business houses. Moreover, law does t guarantee Minimum Support Price, which is basic to ensure financial stability of farmers,” he said while addressing media.

'We will barge into ir programmes'

" Union government should te that protest is t limited to Punjab and Haryana. Farmers across country, including Maharashtra, are supporting agitation,” added Shetti, whose party is an ally of Maharashtra government. "If Centre fails to address issues, we will t allow any Union minister to step into Maharashtra. We will barge into ir programmes and meetings and forcibly end m," Shetti said.

Meanwhile, government on Tuesday suggested setting up a committee to look into issues raised by farmers protesting against new farm laws, but it was rejected by representatives of 35 agitating organisations during ir marathon meeting with three Union Ministers that ended without any resolution. meeting at Vigyan Bhawan in national capital remained inconclusive and government has called for ar round of discussions on Thursday, December 3, farmer Union Leaders said.

READ | 'Cooperation in countering COVID-19 priority of Russia-India bilateral ties': Envoy

READ | Anti-Cow Slaughter Law in Karnataka soon? Minister To visit 'gaushalas' in UP, Gujarat

Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said on Tuesday that meeting with representatives of farmers unions was "good" and y had been urged to share specific issues related to farm Acts on Wednesday which will be discussed during fourth round of meeting on December 3.

minister, who interacted with members of BKU in evening at Krishi Bhavan after government's talks with farmer representatives from Punjab at Vigyan Bhavan, said government is always open to discussions with farmers. Thousands of farmers from Punjab and Haryana stayed put at various Delhi border points for sixth consecutive day on Tuesday.  government says laws will reform agricultural sector and allowing farmers to sell ir produce anywhere in country. Critics and farmers fear y will be overrun by corporates.

READ | Roshni Act Scam: Former J&K minister & NC neta Prem Sagar Aziz among beneficiaries

READ | Delhi Auto, Taxi Unions clarify on reports of 'strike' in support of farmers' protest

(With ncy inputs)