On Friday, a wave of joy and celebration filled the Ghazipur border area near Delhi when Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that the Centre would repeal three contentious agriculture laws during the upcoming Parliament session. On the occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti, the landmark decision was made after nearly a year of protests against the reform laws.
Farmers protesting at the Ghazipur border handed out jalebis and chanted “Kisan Zindabad” in celebration of the government’s decision to pass the ordinances enacted last year.
Others were observed dancing in the streets and passing out sweets to one another.
Pictures of farmers sharing sweets
PM Narendra Modi’s speech
“Today, I have come to tell you, the whole country, that we have decided to withdraw all three agricultural laws. In the Parliament session starting later this month, we will complete the constitutional process to repeal these three agricultural laws,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a broadcasted speech earlier today, asking the agitators to return to their homes.
The Parliament’s winter session began on November 29.
Surprisingly, the decision comes just months before assembly elections in five states, including the agri-hubs of Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, where their strong opposition to the farm rules.
Leaders’ stand on this
Many leaders praised the farmers for their unwavering efforts, which have now paid off. For about a year, farmers from western Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana, among other states, have camped outside numerous access points to Delhi.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said, “Congratulations its win against the injustice, the farmers of the nation have compelled the arrogant govt to bend down through satyagraha”.
Meanwhile, Rakesh Tikait, the leader of the Bharatiya Kisan Union, has stated that the protests will continue. “The agitation will not be withdrawn immediately, we will wait for the day when agricultural laws will be repealed in Parliament. Along with the MSP, the government should also discuss other issues of farmers,” he said on Twitter.
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha, which has led the protests, agreed with the statement, saying that they “will wait for the announcement to take effect through due parliamentary procedures”.
