Farm Laws: 'Never Said Doors For Dialogue Are Closed', Prakash Javadekar Clears Air Around Talks With Farmers

After the 11th round of talks, the government had asked farmers to reconsider their proposal of suspending the debated agrarian laws for 1.5 years, but the farmers rejected their proposal.

New Delhi: A day after the clash between farmers and Delhi police in the national capital, Union minister Prakash Javadekar stated that the government never said the doors for dialogue with farmers are closed while informing that the decision for when fresh talks can be held will be revealed.

"We have never said that the doors for dialogue are closed. Have you heard? Whenever talks are held, we will let you know," Union minister Prakash Javadekar said when asked at the cabinet briefing if there is no room for negotiation with farmers.

After the 11th round of talks, the government had asked farmers to reconsider their proposal of suspending the debated agrarian laws for 1.5 years, but the farmers rejected their proposal. After that, the talks were believed to have reached a deadlock as no decision was taken on another round of talks with protesting farmers.

He said whatever decisions with regard to talks with farmers are taken, will be disclosed at the right time.

"We have already told you, if there is any change, we will let you know," he said.

When asked if ruckus on Republic Day was discussed in the meeting of the union cabinet, Javadekar responded saying that the cabinet is different from the security committee.

On a personal note, he said, "I feel the same way as you are feeling."

As farmers remained adamant on their demands of a complete repeal of farm laws, Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar blamed "external forces" for their rigid stand and further said that no resolution is possible when the sanctity of agitation is lost.

After several rounds of discussions, farmers had for the first time taken some time to discuss the proposal of temporary suspension. However, they turned it down. The government asked unions to revert by Saturday last in case they agree to the suspension proposal and the talks can continue only thereafter.

Besides a complete repeal of the laws enacted in September last year, Farmer leaders are asking for a legal guarantee for the procurement of crops at government-fixed MSP (minimum support price).

(With Agency Inputs)