Narendra Modi’s party says ‘no question’ of repealing India farm laws
- Tens of thousands of demonstrators have protested for weeks against the reforms, fearing farmers’ incomes will be affected
- They have received support from overseas Indians, mainly from Punjab, who have organised demonstrations in Australia, Britain, Canada and the US
The government says the laws enacted by parliament in September would increase farmers’ income through more private investments.
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Indian farmers prepare for extended protests by getting dental checks and foot massages
They aim to link potential bulk buyers, such as Walmart Inc, Reliance Industries and Adani Enterprises, directly with farmers, bypassing government-regulated wholesale markets and layers of commission agents.
“There’s no question of repealing from the government’s side. We have ample support from many farmers’ organisations,” Gopal Krishna Agarwal, a spokesman for the Bharatiya Janata Party, told Reuters, for the first time making clear the government’s refusal to back down.
“Without private investments, agriculture income won’t be able to grow,” he said.
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Indian farmers threaten weeks of protests as talks with government continue
Earlier in the day, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar appealed to the protesting farmers to hold further talks.
