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Punjab Agriculture Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian assures farmers that the state government will protect their interests regarding the National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing, expressing concerns about potential privatisation and monop

Punjab govt reaffirms commitment to safeguarding farmers' rights

Punjab Agriculture Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian assures farmers that the state government will protect their interests regarding the National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing, expressing concerns about potential privatisation and monopolistic practices.

Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian has assured farmer union leaders that the state government will not allow farmers' interests to be affected by the National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing.

Reaffirming the commitment of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government to firmly stand with farmers of the state, Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian has assured farmer union leaders that the state government will not allow farmers' interests to be affected by the National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing.
The Agriculture Minister was holding in-depth discussions with farmer unions&rsquo; leaders on the draft policy on &ldquo;National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing here at Punjab Bhawan, on Thursday.&nbsp;
&ldquo;The state government is concerned as this policy could have serious implications for the State and its farmers, so we want to analyse and consult on the each and every aspect of the draft policy shared by the GoI,&rdquo; said the Agriculture Minister, while adding that agriculture experts and other stakeholders will also be consulted soon to analyse it thoroughly so that not a single point is left unconsidered.
Gurmeet Singh Khudian, along with Additional Chief Secretary Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Mr. Anurag Verma, Chairman of Punjab State Farmers' &amp; Farm Workers' Commission Dr. Sukhpal Singh, Secretary Punjab Mandi Board Mr. Ramvir, appealed the farmers to send their suggestions and comments in this regard to the Agriculture department.
Farmer Unions&rsquo; leaders Joginder Singh Ugrahan, Balbir Singh Rajewal, Dr. Darshan Pal, Ruldu Singh Mansa, Dr. Satnam Singh Ajnala and other leaders expressed deep concerns over potential privatisation, monopolistic practices in the disguise of the Policy. It could be an attempt to reintroduce the contentious provisions of the three farm laws, which were repealed by the Union Government following the farmers&rsquo; protests, they added.&nbsp;
They also urged the state government for further examination before sending a response to the Centre so that Punjab and its farmers interests could be fully secured.
The high-level meeting was also attended by Special Secretary Agriculture Harbir Singh, Director Agriculture Mr. Jaswant Singh, Director of Research at PAU, Ludhiana Dr Ajmer Singh Dhatt and senior officials of Punjab Mandi Board and Agriculture department.

The company's Global Government Affairs team said the platform has complied with the order for now, but maintains that freedom of expression should extend to these posts. 

Farmers protest: X 'disagrees' with govt diktat to block accounts

The company's Global Government Affairs team said the platform has complied with the order for now, but maintains that freedom of expression should extend to these posts.

Social media platform X on Thursday expressed disagreement with the Indian government's order to block accounts and posts related to the ongoing farmers' protests and called for extending freedom of expression to the affected posts.
The Ministry of Electronics and IT has ordered social media platforms to temporarily block 177 accounts that were linked to farmers' protests on request of the Ministry of Home Affairs, according to sources.
"The Indian government has issued executive orders requiring X to act on specific accounts and posts, subject to potential penalties including significant fines and imprisonment. In compliance with the orders, we will withhold these accounts and posts in India alone; however, we disagree with these actions and maintain that freedom of expression should extend to these posts," X said in a post.
The social media platform said that a writ appeal challenging the Indian government's order remains pending and called for making the order public to enhance transparency.
"Due to legal restrictions, we are unable to publish the executive orders, but we believe that making them public is essential for transparency. This lack of disclosure can lead to a lack of accountability and arbitrary decision-making," X said.
The social media firm has provided the impacted users with notice of the government action "in accordance with the company's policies."
Farmers have been pressing for their demands, including a legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP) for crops and farm debt waiver.
However, union leaders on Wednesday put their march to the national capital on hold for two days after a protester was killed and about 12 police personnel were injured in clashes at one of protest sites at the Punjab-Haryana border.&nbsp;

During the Bharat Bandh protest, a video has come to light where a woman was seen showing finger to farmers and hurling abuses

Woman shows 'finger' to farmers during Bharat Bandh protests, video goes viral

During the Bharat Bandh protest, a video has come to light where a woman was seen showing finger to farmers and hurling abuses

Farmers observed a nationwide shutdown or Bharat Bandh on February 16. Amid that, a video came to light in which a heated argument broke out between two women and a group of farmers over blocking a road. In the viral video, the woman who was driving the car was seen showing her middle finger to farmers and hurling abuses at them.&nbsp;
The video shows a woman hurling abuses at the farmers and asking why they stopped her car. As the argument was taking place, a man tried to snatch her mobile phone. After this, the woman got even more furious and alleged, "Aapne mujh par hath kyun uthaya? Aapne mujhe harass kiya hai. Aapne mujhe galat tarike se chua hai. (Why did you raise your hand at me? You harassed me. You touched me inappropriately)."
One of the farmers in the viral video was seen trying to defuse tension. However, that didn't help and the argument escalated even more.&nbsp;
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/pm-modi-speaks-about-farmers-amidst-protest-1708075186757">Amidst farmers protest, PM Modi says govt working for their welfare</a>&nbsp;

Amidst ongoing farmers' protests, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that his government has been working on schemes to benefit farmers. 

Amidst farmers protest, PM Modi says govt working for their welfare 

Amidst ongoing farmers' protests, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that his government has been working on schemes to benefit farmers.

Amidst ongoing farmers' protests, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that his government has been working on schemes to benefit farmers.
While addressing a public event in Rewari, the PM unleashed a scathing criticism of the previous Congress government when it was at the Centre.
He also said that his government has given the farmers the "guarantee" to seek loans from banks, which earlier was denied to them.
Referring to his visit to the UAE and Qatar this week, he said the respect that India now gets from every corner is not of Modi alone, but of every Indian.
Targeting the opposition Congress, Modi said those who used to call Lord Ram imaginary and did not want a temple to be built in Ayodhya are also chanting 'Jai Siya Ram' now.
For decades, the Congress had created obstacles in the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution, which accorded special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. He said he had given a guarantee and fulfilled it by scrapping Article 370.
Modi said his first event after the BJP declared him as its prime ministerial candidate in the run-up to the 2014 general elections was in Rewari in September 2013.
"As prime ministerial candidate, I had given some guarantees." The country wanted a grand Ram temple in Ayodhya and it has been fulfilled, he said.
Modi said people are now saying that since he has come to Rewari again, the BJP-led NDA will win more than 400 seats this time -- 'Abki Baar NDA Sarkar 400 Paar' -- with people's blessings.
Seats are important in a democracy, "but for me people's blessings are the biggest asset", he added.
Also read | <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/pm-modi-explains-vicious-circle-that-is-forcing-big-congress-leaders-to-quit-1708071467629">PM Modi explains 'vicious circle' that is forcing big Congress leaders to quit</a>

Noida Police on Thursday said restrictions under CrPC Section 144, including a ban on unauthorised public assemblies, would be enforced across the district in view of Bharat Bandh called by farmers' unions on Friday.

Rakesh Tikait-led farmer unions to observe Bharat Bandh today

Noida Police on Thursday said restrictions under CrPC Section 144, including a ban on unauthorised public assemblies, would be enforced across the district in view of Bharat Bandh called by farmers' unions on Friday.

Farmers unions under the umbrella organisation of Samyukta Kisan Morcha are observing a 'Bharat Bandh' or a nationwide strike today.
The bandh is not a part of the 'Delhi Chalo' march that has been organised by over 200 other farmer unions.&nbsp;
While the 'Grameen Bharat Bandh' has been called by the Rakesh Tikait led-Samyukta Kisan Morcha, the protest march till Delhi has been called by a breakaway faction called Samyukt Kisan Morcha (non-political).&nbsp;
The Noida police has imposed Section 144 across the district.&nbsp;
The police also cautioned commuters going to Delhi and coming back from the capital city of traffic diversions in Noida and urged citizens to opt for metro rail service "as far as possible" to avoid inconvenience.
The decisions have been taken in view of the proposed protest marches called by the farmers' body Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) and other unions, the police said.
The Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), part of SKM, had earlier called for a Bharat Bandh on February 16, citing a host of unmet demands of farmers. The Noida-based Bharatiya Kisan Parishad (BKP) has also extended support to Friday's Bharat Bandh.
"Various programmes like protest demonstrations are proposed by SKM and various organisations for Friday. Hence, Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) is implemented on February 16," the police said in a statement.
According to the order, unlawful assembly of five or more people, unauthorised processions or demonstrations, including political or religious, are prohibited.
The order also bars the use of private drones in a radius of one km of government establishments and also bans people from carrying sticks, rods, tridents, swords, firearms and the likes in public places.
In a traffic advisory, the police said intensive checking will be done by installing barriers on all the borders of Noida and Delhi by the police on both sides due to which there will be a pressure on vehicular movement and traffic would be diverted according to requirement.
"People going to Delhi please use Metro as much as possible to avoid traffic inconvenience. Arrival of all types of goods vehicles will be restricted on the route from Yamuna Expressway to Delhi via Noida-Greater Noida Expressway and from Sirsa to Surajpur via Pari Chowk. To avoid traffic inconvenience, drivers can use alternative routes to reach their destination," the police said.
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/farmers-protest-no-breakthrough-in-meeting-with-ministers-next-round-of-talks-on-sunday-1708046344121">Farmers' protest: no breakthrough in meeting with ministers, next round of talks on Sunday</a>
BKU leader Pawan Khatana said during the Bharat Bandh called by his union, farmers have been asked to strike their work for one day in order to press the government for demands.
"Farmers have been asked to shun work in farms or not go to markets for any purchases tomorrow. Traders and transporters have also been exhorted to join the strike tomorrow," Khatana told PTI.
The farmers' leader said the protesters would stay put in their areas and not march towards Delhi.
Meanwhile, a section of traders here has urged the protesting farmers and the government to have a dialogue to quickly resolve the issue.
"Frequent farmer movements adversely affect everyday business activities. Citizens have to face unnecessary troubles. Everyone is suffering losses due to the closure of transport routes," Sushil Kumar Jain, president of Noida's Sector 18 Market Association, said.
"We appeal to the government and the farmers to resolve the issues through dialogues and not by obstructing the lives of common citizens," Jain added.
The BKP, which has been protesting against the local authorities functioning under the state government, said it has extended support to the Bharat Bandh.
"All farmers will gather outside the NTPC office in Sector 24 here tomorrow to take forward this initiative," the BKP said in a statement.
(with PTI inputs)
&nbsp;

Farmers will stay put at the Punjab-Haryana border till the next round of talks with the central govt on Sunday

Farmers' protest: no breakthrough in meeting with ministers, next round of talks on Sunday

Farmers will stay put at the Punjab-Haryana border till the next round of talks with the central govt on Sunday

A marathon meeting between three Union ministers and leaders of protesting farmer unions concluded without a resolution here late Thursday with Union Minister Arjun Munda asserting that the discussion was "positive&rdquo; and another round of talks would be held on Sunday.
The farmer leaders said they will continue to stay put at the two border points between Punjab and Haryana.
Union Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Minister Munda, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai represented the Centre at the meeting over the farmer unions' various demands, including a law guaranteeing a minimum support price (MSP) for crops.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also joined the meeting at the Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration in Sector 26 here. The meeting started at around 8:45 pm on Thursday and lasted for around five hours.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Munda said the talks took place in a &ldquo;good atmosphere&rdquo; and there was &ldquo;positive discussion&rdquo;.
The talks will continue and another meeting will take place at 6 pm on Sunday, he said, adding that a solution will be found by sitting together.
Mann said a detailed discussion between farmer leaders and the government took place.
"On each topic, a detailed discussion took place and a consensus was reached on several issues," he said.
This was the third round of talks between the two sides. The two previous rounds of dialogue on February 8 and 12 remained inconclusive.
Mann said he raised the issue of suspension of internet services at select areas in Sangrur, Patiala and Fatehgarh Sahib with the Centre.
He said that he also brought to the attention of the Union ministers the use of a drone by Haryana Police to tear gas shells on the protesters inside Punjab.
He said he got an assurance from the Centre that it would speak to the Haryana government and ask it to maintain peace at the Punjab and Haryana borders.
Among the farmer leaders who took part in the meeting were SKM (Non-Political) leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal and Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee general secretary Sarwan Singh Pandher.
Speaking to reporters, Pandher said a detailed discussion on their demands, including a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price and debt waiver, took place.
"They (Union ministers) said they need time," said Pandher.
"We want that there should be a positive result and any confrontation should be avoided. Otherwise, our plan to march to Delhi will go ahead," he added.
To a question on whether farmers will stay put at the Punjab-Haryana borders, Pandher said, &ldquo;Yes.&rdquo; The farmer leaders also took an exception to the alleged suspension of the social media accounts of several leaders.
&ldquo;They (ministers) have assured that all such social media accounts will be restored,&rdquo; said farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal.
Pandher said they also raised the issue of tear gas shelling by the paramilitary force on farmers at the Shambhu and Khanuri borders. He said the shells were shown to the ministers during the meeting.
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have given a "Delhi Chalo" call to press the BJP-led Centre to accept their demands.
Farmers from Punjab began their march to the national capital on Tuesday but were stopped by security personnel at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana.
The protesting farmers have been camping at the border points.
Earlier, the farmer leaders had said they would not make any fresh attempt to move towards Delhi till the meeting with the ministers was held, asserting that the next course of action would be decided based on the Centre's proposals.
Separately, farmers squatted on railway tracks at many places in Punjab over the Haryana Police's action against the "Delhi Chalo" protesters.
The Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) and the BKU Dakaunda (Dhaner) gave the "rail roko" call.
The decision was taken in protest against the use of tear-gas shells and water cannons against the protesting farmers by the Haryana security personnel at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points.
Meanwhile, on the call of the SKM, farmers also staged demonstrations at several toll plazas in Punjab to protest against the Haryana Police's action.
They also forced the toll authorities to let go of commuters without charging them a toll fee.
On Tuesday, farmers, mainly from Punjab, had clashed with the Haryana Police at two border points between the states, facing tear gas and water cannons as they tried to break the barricades blocking their march to the national capital.
Besides a legal guarantee on MSP, the farmers are demanding the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations, pension for farmers and farm labourers, farm debt waiver, withdrawal of police cases and "justice" for the victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence, reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013 and compensation for the families of the farmers who died during a previous agitation in 2020-21.
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/politics/rail-roko-protest-dozens-sit-on-railway-tracks-protest-police-action-against-farmers-1707983134985">Rail Roko protest: Dozens sit on railway tracks, protest police action against farmers</a>

The situation escalated at the Shambhu border along the Haryana-Punjab border as police used water cannons on the agitated farmers who were trying to vandalise a flyover's safety barriers

Vandalism, water cannons: Farmers-police standoff escalates at Shambhu border 

The situation escalated at the Shambhu border along the Haryana-Punjab border as police used water cannons on the agitated farmers who were trying to vandalise a flyover's safety barriers

The police used water cannons to disperse the protesting farmers after they vandalised a flyover's safety barriers at the Haryana-Punjab Shambhu border.
Visuals showed farmers forcefully removing iron sheets on the wall of the bridge above the Ghaggar river and throwing them down.
Meanwhile, several farmers were detained and their vehicles were seized at the border by Haryana police soon after farmers&rsquo; unions began the &lsquo;Dilli Chalo&rsquo; march amid heavy security.
Giving details about the tensions at the border, Inspector-General, Ambala Range, Sibash Kabiraj, told reporters, "We welcome the farmers coming from Punjab but if they travel on tractors, it will create problems for the people. They can travel on buses, trains, or by foot. If they come on tractors, we will not allow them."
"The traffic stops because of the tractors. People from Ambala and other areas around have requested the police to not allow framers to enter via tractors. And section 144 has also been imposed...," he added, &nbsp;according to ANI news agency.
According to Hinudstan Times newspaper, the farmers have been moving from the Ambala-Shambhu, Khanauri-Jind and the Dabwali borders towards Delhi.&nbsp;
Farmers began their tractor-trolleys march at 10 from Punjab's Fatehgarh Sahib .&nbsp;
Meanwhile, another group is moving towards the national capital from Mehal Kalan in Sangrur through Khanauri border.
<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/chaos-at-shambhu-border-as-police-try-to-stop-farmers-delhi-chalo-march-1707816678388">Also read | Chaos at Shambhu border as police try to stop farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' march</a> &nbsp;

Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda, who along with Piyush Goyal haled talks with farmer leaders, said a consensus was reached on most issues.

Farmers to go ahead with 'Delhi Chalo' march as talks with Union ministers fail

Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda, who along with Piyush Goyal haled talks with farmer leaders, said a consensus was reached on most issues.

Farmers are set to begin their 'Delhi Chalo' march Tuesday morning, a farmer leader asserted here after their five-hour-long meeting with two Union ministers over their demands remained inconclusive.
However, Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda, who along with Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Piyush Goyal attended the second round of talks with the farmer leaders, said a consensus was reached on most issues and a formula was proposed for resolving some others through the formation of a committee.
"We are still hopeful that farmer bodies will hold talks.... We will try to resolve issues in the coming days," he said.
The meeting began at the Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration in Sector 26 at around 6.30 pm and concluded just before midnight.
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have announced that farmers will head to Delhi on Tuesday to press the Centre to accept their demands, including the enactment of a law to guarantee a minimum support price (MSP) for crops.
SKM (Non-Political) leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal and Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee general secretary Sarwan Singh Pandher, among others, were part of the meeting.
"We do not think the government is serious on any of our demands. We do not think they want to fulfil our demands.... Tomorrow, we will march towards Delhi at 10 am," Pandher told reporters here after the meeting ended just before midnight.
In the meeting, the Centre is learnt to have agreed to withdraw the cases against the farmers registered during the 2020-21 agitation, sources said.
However, the sources said, farmer leaders were adamant on a legal guarantee to minimum support price for crops, which is one of their key demands.
After the meeting, Pandher said, "We held a long discussion with them and we discussed every issue.... Our effort was to avoid any confrontation. We wanted the issue to be resolved through dialogue with them. Had the government offered anything to us, then we could have reconsidered our agitation." He claimed that the government's intention was not clean. "It did not want to give anything to us.... We told them to take a decision. They did not take any decision on the farmers' demand of giving legal guarantee to the minimum support price," he said.
Whatever proposals the ministers have made will be discussed in "our forum", he said, adding, "Our agitation stands. Tomorrow, we will march towards Delhi at 10 am." Addressing the media along with Goyal later, Union Minister Munda said the government always wants to resolve every issue through dialogue.
"With this objective, we came here as representatives of the Government of India. We discussed every issue. We still feel that any issue can be resolved through dialogue. We are ready with an open mind," he said.
Replying to a question, Munda said that a consensus was reached on most issues.
"We moved forward on the basis of consensus. We gave the formula of resolving some issues through the formation of a committee," he said.
SKM (Non-Political) leader Dallewal said the government wanted formation of a committee on the issues of giving legal guarantee to MSP, debt waiver and the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations.
"We will apprise our farmers in a forum what happened in the meeting," said Dallewal.
"It is our compulsion to move towards Delhi," he said, while replying to a question on the 'Delhi Chalo' call.
Besides a legal guarantee for MSP, the farmers are also demanding the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations, pensions for farmers and farm labourers, farm debt waiver, withdrawal of police cases and "justice" for victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence, reinstate the Land Acquisition Act 2013, withdrawal from the World Trade Organization, compensation for families of farmers died during the previous agitation, among others.
During the meeting, the delegation of the Centre is learnt to have agreed to withdraw the cases against the farmers registered during the 2020-21 agitation against the now-repealed farm laws, said the sources.
The Union ministers are also believed to have agreed to give compensation to any left-out families of farmers who died during the previous agitation.
Punjab Cabinet Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, who also attended the meeting, said the state government stood with the farmers.
Besides farmer leaders, Punjab government's senior officers including Chief Secretary Anurag Verma and Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav were also present in the meeting.
Earlier, the farmer leaders, who were participating in the talks in Chandigarh, held a meeting in Amb Sahib in Punjab's Mohali before leaving for the city.
The first meeting with the Union ministers was held on February 8 in which detailed discussions with the leaders of farmer organisations took place.
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/huge-security-deployment-in-delhi-multi-layered-barricading-at-borders-to-stop-farmers-march-1707785684591">Huge security deployment in Delhi, multi-layered barricading at borders to stop farmers' march</a>

In an order, the police prohibited public gatherings at all borders between Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.

Farmers' agitation: gatherings banned at Delhi-UP border, no entry for protesters

In an order, the police prohibited public gatherings at all borders between Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. 

In an order, the police prohibited public gatherings at all borders between Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.

In view of the protesting farmers' call for a march to Delhi on February 13, Delhi Police has said that prohibitory orders under CrPC Section 144 will be imposed.
In an order, the police prohibited public gatherings at all borders between Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.
Entry of tractors, trolleys, buses, trucks, commercial vehicles, personal vehicles and horses carrying protesters has been prohibited.
The order further said that no person would be allowed to bear arms, including firearms, swords and spears.
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha had announced 'Delhi Chalo' march by more than 200 farmers' unions on February 13 to press the Centre for accepting several demands.
Meanwhile, Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee general secretary Pandher condemned the Haryana government for its decision of suspending the mobile internet services and bulk SMS in seven districts.

Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait, who attended the mahapanchayat on Monday, said the government should procure sunflower on MSP and the farmer leaders arrested in Shahabad should be released.

Watch: farmers seeking MSP for sunflower seed block Delhi-Chandigarh highway 

Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait, who attended the mahapanchayat on Monday, said the government should procure sunflower on MSP and the farmer leaders arrested in Shahabad should be released.

Farmers on Monday blocked the Delhi-Chandigarh highway after holding a mahapanchayat in this district to press for minimum support price for sunflower seed.
The "MSP Dilao, Kisan Bachao mahapanchayat", called by Bharatiya Kisan Union (Charuni), was held at a grain market in Pipli close to National Highway-44. After the mahapanchayat the farmers gathered on the highway, blocking it. Police were diverting traffic from other routes.
At the mahapanchayat, farmer leader Karam Singh Mathana said the local administration had assured them of a meeting with Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar to discuss their demands. "But now they say the chief minister has left Karnal".
"Because of this, the local committee which had organised the mahapanchayat decided to block the National Highway-44 till our demands are met," Mathana said.
On June 6, farmers led by Bharatiya Kisan Union (Charuni) chief Gurnam Singh Charuni blocked National Highway-44 near Shahabad demanding that the government procure sunflower seeds at minimum support price. Police used water cannons and resorted to lathi-charge to disperse the protesters.
Later, nine BKU (Charuni) leaders, including its president, were arrested over various charges, including rioting and unlawful assembly.
Addressing the Mahapanchayat, Tiakit announced that the Samyukta Kisan Morcha would start a pan-India agitation if a law for MPS, "as promised by the Union government", is not brought.

Maharashtra: Farmers call off long march to Mumbai against onion price

Maharashtra: farmers call off long march to Mumbai against onion price

On Friday, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde told the Assembly that onion cultivators will be given a financial relief of Rs 350 a quintal and appealed to them to call off the protest.

Protesting farmers and tribals, who were on their way to Mumbai from Nashik district of Maharashtra, called off their long march on Saturday with their demands being taken into consideration in the state legislature and ground-level officials receiving orders to execute the government's orders, a CPI(M) MLA said. The march had started from Dindori town, located around 195 km away from Mumbai, on March 12 demanding relief of Rs 600 per quintal to onion growers hit by price crash, 12-hour uninterrupted power supply to farmers, and waiver of farm loans. They had reached Thane district's Vasind town, around 80 km from Mumbai.
On Friday, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde told the Assembly that onion cultivators will be given a financial relief of Rs 350 a quintal and appealed to them to call off the protest.
"Our demands have been met. All the demands by the farmers were taken into consideration in the state legislature and collectors and tehsildars have been issued orders. We received calls from our activists that work (implementation of the government order) has begun. So we have decided to call off the march," Communist Party of India (Marxist) MLA Vinod Nikole said.
He said the participants have started heading back to their homes, and the remaining people will leave by Saturday evening or Sunday.

Onion prices have fallen sharply due to surplus production, due to which, Maharashtra government has announced Rs 300/quintal compensation for onion farmers in the state. 

Onion prices crash: Maharashtra govt to give compensation of ₹300/quintal to onion farmers 

Onion prices have fallen sharply due to surplus production, due to which, the Maharashtra government has announced Rs 300/quintal compensation for onion farmers in the state. 

Onion prices have fallen sharply due to surplus production, due to which, the Maharashtra government has announced ₹ 300/quintal compensation for onion farmers in the state.&nbsp;

Onion prices have crashed from ₹ 800 per quintal to ₹ 450 per quintal, severely affecting onion farmers. Amid this crash in onion prices, the Maharashtra government has announced a compensation of ₹ 300 per quintal for onion farmers, providing much-needed relief to onion farmers in the state. Maharashtra accounts for the highest onion production in the country.
In a statement issued in the state legislative assembly, Maharashtra Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde said, &ldquo;The khariff onion crop prices have seen sharp decline due to surplus production. The onion cultivation has been higher in other parts of country as a result the demand for onions from Maharashtra has dropped. This has resulted in price fall.&rdquo;
The price of onions fell to ₹ 2 per kilogram versus ₹ 4 per kg last week.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

With the Russia-Ukraine war stretching on for over two weeks, Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a fresh threat to the West, which might have great repercussions for Indian farmers.
While addressing Russian government officials on March 10, Putin reportedly warned of skyrocketing fertiliser prices if the West continues punishing Russia. Putin reportedly said, "Russia and Belarus are one of the largest suppliers of mineral fertilisers to world markets. If they continue to create any problems with financing this work, insurance, logistics, delivery of our goods, then the prices, which are already exorbitant, will grow even more."
The statement is of great significance for India, which is the world's largest urea importer, and also buys considerable amounts of phosphatic and potassic fertilisers, as per reports. Rising fertiliser prices would hurt the Indian government's wallet, even as fertiliser subsidy was reportedly cut to Rs 1.05 lakh crore in the 2022 Budget from Rs 1.40 lakh crore a year ago.
Russia reportedly produces 50 million tonnes of fertilisers every year, which is almost 13% of global output.

How Vladimir Putin's new threat may hurt Indian farmers: Russia's fertiliser price warning | Ukraine war

How Putin's new threat may hurt Indian farmers: Russia's fertiliser price warning | Ukraine war


With the Russia-Ukraine war stretching on for over two weeks, Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a fresh threat to the West, which might have great repercussions for Indian farmers. While addressing Russian government officials on March 10, Putin reportedly warned of skyrocketing fertiliser prices if the West continues punishing Russia. Putin reportedly said, "Russia and Belarus are one of the largest suppliers of mineral fertilisers to world markets. If they continue to create any problems with financing this work, insurance, logistics, delivery of our goods, then the prices, which are already exorbitant, will grow even more." The statement is of great significance for India, which is the world's largest urea importer, and also buys considerable amounts of phosphatic and potassic fertilisers, as per reports. Rising fertiliser prices would hurt the Indian government's wallet, even as fertiliser subsidy was reportedly cut to Rs 1.05 lakh crore in the 2022 Budget from Rs 1.40 lakh crore a year ago. Russia reportedly produces 50 million tonnes of fertilisers every year, which is almost 13% of global output.
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CAPTIONS Russian President's new warning for West Putin warned of rising fertiliser prices Russia major producer of fertilisers India significant importer of fertilisers Fertiliser subsidy cut in 2022 Budget

<div>While addressing Russian government officials on March 10, Putin reportedly warned of skyrocketing fertiliser prices if the West continues punishing Russia.</div>

With the Russia-Ukraine war stretching on for over two weeks, Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a fresh threat to the West, which might have great repercussions for Indian farmers.
While addressing Russian government officials on March 10,&nbsp;Putin reportedly warned of skyrocketing fertiliser prices if the West continues punishing Russia.&nbsp;Putin reportedly said, "Russia and Belarus are one of the largest suppliers of mineral fertilisers to world markets. If they continue to create any problems with financing this work, insurance, logistics, delivery of our goods, then the prices, which are already exorbitant, will grow even more."
The statement is of great significance for India, which is the world's largest urea importer, and also buys considerable amounts of phosphatic and potassic fertilisers, as per reports.&nbsp;Rising fertiliser prices would hurt the Indian government's wallet, even as fertiliser subsidy was reportedly cut to Rs 1.05 lakh crore in the 2022 Budget from Rs 1.40 lakh crore a year ago.
Russia reportedly produces 50 million tonnes of fertilisers every year, which is almost 13% of global output.

Ashish Mishra, the son of Union Minister Ajay Mishra 'Teni', who is a key accused in Lakhimpur Kheri farmers' killing case, walked out of the jail on Tuesday. Ashish Mishra was granted bail by the Allahabad High Court on February 10.
MoS Home Ajay Mishra also reached his home in Lakhimpur to meet his son.
Ashish Mishra is the main accused in the case where 4 farmers and a journalist were run over by a speeding SUV in Lakhimpur Kheri on October 3 last year.
The charge sheet filed by the police stated that Ashish Mishra was at the spot where the violence took place. Both Minister Ajay Mishra Teni and his son have continuously&nbsp;claimed that Ashish was not in the SUV or on the spot during the incident.
As Ashish Mishra walked out of jail amid UP poll campaign, farmer leader Rakesh Tikait on Tuesday said the Samyukta Kisan Morcha will approach the Supreme Court over the Lakhimpur Kheri violence episode in which eight people, including four farmers, were killed.
Tikait also hit out at the BJP asking how the accused in the heinous killing of farmers was allowed to walk out of jail.
Lakhimpur Kheri will go to the polls in the fourth phase of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly Election 2022 on February 23.

Lakhimpur: Union Minister's son, prime accused in farmers' killings, walks out of jail

Lakhimpur&nbsp;farmers' killings: Prime accused walks out jail
Ashish&nbsp;Mishra&nbsp;got bail in Lakhimpur&nbsp;farmers' killings case
Ashish&nbsp;Mishra&nbsp;is the son of Union MoS&nbsp;Home Ajay Mishra
SIT has said that farmers' killing was "planned conspiracy"
Tikait says farm body will move SC over bail to accused
Lakhimpur&nbsp;Kheri&nbsp;will vote in 4th phase of UP polls on Feb 23

Ashish Mishra is the main accused in the case where 4 farmers and a journalist were run over by a speeding SUV in Lakhimpur Kheri on October 3 last year

Ashish Mishra, the son of Union Minister Ajay Mishra 'Teni', who is a key accused in Lakhimpur Kheri farmers' killing case, walked out of the jail on Tuesday. Ashish Mishra was granted bail by the Allahabad High Court on February 10.
MoS Home Ajay Mishra also reached his home in Lakhimpur to meet his son.
Ashish Mishra is the main accused in the case where 4 farmers and a journalist were run over by a speeding SUV in Lakhimpur Kheri on October 3 last year.
The charge sheet filed by the police stated that Ashish Mishra was at the spot where the violence took place. Both Minister Ajay Mishra Teni and his son have continuously&nbsp;claimed that Ashish was not in the SUV or on the spot during the incident.
As Ashish Mishra walked out of jail amid UP poll campaign, farmer leader Rakesh Tikait on Tuesday said the Samyukta Kisan Morcha will approach the Supreme Court over the Lakhimpur Kheri violence episode in which eight people, including four farmers, were killed.
Tikait also hit out at the BJP asking how the accused in the heinous killing of farmers was allowed to walk out of jail.
Lakhimpur Kheri will go to the polls in the fourth phase of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly Election 2022 on February 23.

The highly-anticipated 5-state elections began today with Uttar Pradesh voting in the first phase. 

UP Assembly Election 2022: Phase 1 voting begins; mood of Jats, farmers in focus

This belt is mainly in focus due to the participation of farmers from these parts in the recent protest at Delhi's borders against the three contentious farm laws.

UP Election 2022: Phase 1 voting begins; mood of Jats, farmers in focus

&nbsp;
((LATEST VOTING VISUALS))
&nbsp;
The highly-anticipated 5-state elections began today with Uttar Pradesh voting in the first phase. 58 assembly constituencies across 11 districts are voting on February 10. The voting districts, located in west UP, are Shamli, Hapur, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Muzaffarnagar, Meerut, Baghpat, Ghaziabad, Bulandshahr, Aligarh, Mathura, and Agra. This belt is mainly in focus due to the participation of farmers from these parts in the recent protest at Delhi's borders against the three contentious farm laws. The farmer protest is also believed to have gained the support of the Jat community which is perceived as influential in these parts. Opposition Samajwadi party allied with Jayant Chaudhary's Rashtriya Lok Dal to capitalise on this. The BJP has tried to woo the community by claiming that Jats have traditionally supported the saffron party. The first phase has 623 candidates, and 2.27 crore people eligible to vote, as per reports.
&nbsp;

<div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-weight: 400; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: inherit; font-family: Calibri, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; color: #000000; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff;">This belt is mainly in focus due to the participation of farmers from these parts in the recent protest at Delhi's borders against the three contentious farm laws.</div>

UP Election 2022: The highly-anticipated 5-state <a href="https://www.editorji.com/elections" target="_blank">elections</a> began today with Uttar Pradesh voting in the first phase.&nbsp;58 assembly constituencies across 11 districts are voting on February 10.
The voting districts, located in west UP, are Shamli, Hapur, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Muzaffarnagar, Meerut, Baghpat, Ghaziabad, Bulandshahr, Aligarh, Mathura, and Agra.
ALSO WATCH | <a href="https://www.editorji.com/elections/up-elections/up-election-2022-chunaav-pe-charcha-nok-jhok-sexism-aplenty-in-up-polls-1643987405644" target="_blank">UP Election 2022: Chunaav Pe Charcha | Nok Jhok: Sexism aplenty in UP polls</a>
This belt is mainly in focus due to the participation of farmers from these parts in the recent protest at Delhi's borders against the three contentious farm laws.&nbsp;The farmer protest is also believed to have gained the support of the Jat community which is perceived as influential in these parts.
Opposition Samajwadi party allied with Jayant Chaudhary's Rashtriya Lok Dal to capitalise on this.&nbsp;The BJP has tried to woo the community by claiming that Jats have traditionally supported the saffron party.
The first phase has 623 candidates, and 2.27 crore people eligible to vote, as per reports.
Also Watch :&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/liveblog/elections/uttar-pradesh-assembly-elections-2022-phase-1-voting-live-updates-37" target="_blank">UP Elections 2022 Voting Live Updates:&nbsp;58 seats go to poll in 1st phase, voting underway</a>
Click here for more special coverage on <a href="https://www.editorji.com/elections" target="_blank">Assembly Elections News &amp; Result</a>

BJP UP Manifesto: Home Minister Amit Shah and CM  Yogi Adityanth on Tuesday released the BJP's manifesto in Lucknow for the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.

BJP UP Manifesto, UP Election 2022: Free power to farmers, 10-yr jail for 'Love Jihad' in BJP manifesto

UP Election 2022: Free power to farmers, 10-yr jail for 'Love Jihad' in BJP manifesto

Caption: BJP releases UP manifesto - here are the key promises
Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanth on Tuesday released the BJP's manifesto in Lucknow for the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. The manifesto, released just 2 days before the first phase of polling has special focus on farmers. Western UP with a huge farm population will vote on Feb 10.
((Take as GFX&nbsp;points))
Here are key highlights from BJP's poll promises:
Free power for irrigation to farmers for the next five years
Payment to sugarcane farmers within 14 days, interest in case of delay.
1 free cylinder on Holi and Diwali under Ujjwala scheme
Job guarantee for at least one person per family
Rs 1500 monthly pension for widows
MBBS seats, number of ambulances to be doubled
10-year jail, Rs 1 lakh fine in "Love Jihad" cases
Free scooty for college going girls

Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanth on Tuesday released the BJP's manifesto in Lucknow for the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections

Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanth on Tuesday released the BJP's manifesto in Lucknow for the upcoming <a href="https://www.editorji.com/elections/up-elections" target="_blank">Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections</a>. The manifesto, released just 2 days before the <a href="https://www.editorji.com/elections/up-elections/up-election-2022-58-assembly-seats-up-for-poll-in-phase-1-1644377380255" target="_blank">first phase of polling</a> has special focus on farmers. Western UP with a huge farm population will vote on Feb 10.
<h3>Here are key highlights from BJP's&nbsp;manifesto&nbsp;poll promises:</h3>
&bull;&nbsp; Free power for irrigation to farmers for the next five years
&bull;&nbsp; Payment to sugarcane farmers within 14 days, interest in case of delay.
&bull;&nbsp; 1 free cylinder on Holi and Diwali under Ujjwala scheme
&bull;&nbsp; Job guarantee for at least one person per family
&bull;&nbsp; Rs 1500 monthly pension for widows
&bull;&nbsp; Six mega food parks to be developed
&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp;MBBS seats in the state to be doubled
&bull;&nbsp; Number of ambulances to be doubled
&bull;&nbsp; 10-year jail, Rs 1 lakh fine in "Love Jihad" cases
&bull;&nbsp; Free scooty for college going girls
&bull;&nbsp; Special CM Irrigation scheme with investment of 25,000 crore
&bull;&nbsp; Special incentives to promote natural farming in villages
Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/coronavirus/2020-migrant-exodus-pm-right-in-blaming-opposition-congress-sena-aap-reply-1644292257360">2020 migrant exodus: PM right in blaming Opposition? Congress, Sena, AAP reply</a>
Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/elections/up-elections/up-election-2022-55-assembly-seats-vote-in-phase-2-here-s-all-you-need-to-know-1644668602165" target="_blank">UP Election 2022: 55 assembly seats vote in Phase 2 - Here's all you need to know</a>
Click here for more special coverage on <a href="https://www.editorji.com/elections" target="_blank">Assembly Elections News &amp; Result</a>

Alleging betrayal by the Centre, Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait on Sunday announced a country-wide observance of 'Virodh Diwas' or protest day on Monday over farm issues.
Tikait said cthe over-a-year-long protest at Delhi's borders was withdrawn on the basis of a letter of promises by the government on December 9 but those remain unfulfilled.
'A nation-wide 'Betrayal Day' will be observed on January 31 because of government's betrayal to farmers. The movement was suspended on the basis of a letter given by the government on December 9 but those promises have not been fulfilled,' Tikait, whose BKU is a part of the Sanyukta Kisan Morcha
The protest on Delhi's borders had started under the banner of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, a farmers' collective, in November 2020 over the main demands of withdrawal of three contentious farm laws that were introduced by the BJP-led Centre.
The farmers, who occupied key border points of Singhu , Tikri and Ghazipur for over a year, also demanded a legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP) of crops.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had in November 2021 announced that the contentious farm laws would be rolled back, leading to the protestors eventually vacating Delhi borders in December.

Farmers to observe 'Virodh Diwas' today, protests planned in several states

Alleging betrayal by the Centre, Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait on Sunday announced a country-wide observance of 'Virodh Diwas' or protest day on Monday over farm issues.

Alleging betrayal by the Centre, Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait on Sunday announced a country-wide observance of 'Virodh&nbsp;Diwas' or protest day&nbsp;on Monday over farm issues.
ANI BITE:&nbsp;'Virodh Diwas' will be observed on 31st January across the nation. Our demand is that the Centre should fulfil their promise on MSP made by them in Delhi. And also revoke cases against farmers registered during the year-long protest: BKU leader Rakesh Tikait
The protest on Delhi's borders had started under the banner of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, a farmers' collective, in November 2020 over the main demands of withdrawal of three contentious farm laws that were introduced by the BJP-led Centre.
The farmers, who occupied key border points of Singhu , Tikri and Ghazipur for over a year, also demanded a legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP) of crops and withdrawal of cases registered against them.&nbsp;
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had in November 2021 announced that the contentious farm laws would be rolled back, leading to the protestors eventually vacating Delhi borders in December.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had in November 2021 announced that the contentious farm laws would be rolled back, leading to the protestors eventually vacating Delhi borders in December.

Alleging betrayal by the Centre, Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait on Sunday announced a country-wide observance of 'Virodh&nbsp;Diwas' or protest day&nbsp;on Monday over farm issues.
Tikait&nbsp;said the over-a-year-long protest at Delhi's borders was withdrawn on the basis of a letter of promises by the government on December 9 but those remain unfulfilled.
'A nation-wide 'Betrayal Day' will be observed on January 31 because of government's betrayal to farmers. The movement was suspended on the basis of a letter given by the government on December 9 but those promises have not been fulfilled,'&nbsp;Tikait, whose BKU is a part of the Sanyukta&nbsp;Kisan&nbsp;Morcha
The protest on Delhi's borders had started under the banner of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, a farmers' collective, in November 2020 over the main demands of withdrawal of three contentious farm laws that were introduced by the BJP-led Centre.
The farmers, who occupied key border points of Singhu , Tikri and Ghazipur for over a year, also demanded a legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP) of crops.
Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/elections/up-elections/up-election-2022-amit-shah-meets-jat-leaders-farm-law-anger-pacified-1643252462114">UP election 2022: Amit Shah meets Jat leaders. Farm law anger pacified?</a>
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had in November 2021 announced that the contentious farm laws would be rolled back, leading to the protestors eventually vacating Delhi borders in December.

The recent controversy over an alleged lapse in PM Modi's security in Punjab has highlighted the BJP's vigorous campaign for the state. The BJP is trying to capture headlines, and subsequently power, in a province where it has been a junior partner for decades.
The party's prospects seem to have been on a roller coaster with the downs including the protest against the farm laws, and the related break-up with the Shiromani Akali Dal, and the ups including infighting in the Congress, which led to one of its tallest leaders, Captain Amarinder Singh, donning saffron.
 
ALSO WATCH | PM Modi security breach: Centre says 'international shame', SC asks for travel records to be saved
 
ELECTORAL ARITHMETIC
The BJP currently 3 MLAs in the Punjab Assembly, which has a total strength of 117. It contested the 2017 elections with its then-ally Akali Dal, which won 15. The BJP had contested from 23 seats, and lost 20. The Akali Dal had fought on the remaining 94. The Congress had stormed to power with 77, while the Aam Aadmi Party gained a significant foothold with 20 seats.
 
The BJP's performance in the state elections has also been steadily declining. In the 2007 elections, the saffron party secured 19 seats with a vote share of 8.28%. Five years later, the seat share fell to 12 and the vote share to 7.18%. In the last elections, BJP won 3 seats with a 5.39% vote share. Traditionally, the BJP is said to have banked on upper caste Hindu and Dalit votes in the state, while the 'panthik' party Akali Dal focused on the Sikh. While Hindus reportedly form around 12% of the vote share, Dalits constitute around 32%. But the latter may swing towards the Congress as Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi belongs to the community. The Akali Dal has also allied with Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party to gain an advantage here.
 BJP-AKALI SEPARATION
So how significant was BJP's break-up with the Akali Dal, its partner for over 2 decades? The first polls that the two parties fought after separating were civic body elections in early 2021. The BJP was almost washed out, reportedly winning only 49 of 2,165 wards. It even lost in some of its strongholds.
THE NEW N.D.A.
The party is now in an alliance with former Congress veteran Amarinder Singh's Punjab Lok Congress. Also part of the grouping is Akali Dal (Sanyukt) - a breakaway faction of the Shiromani Akali Dal led by the Badals.
The BJP might be hoping to use Captain Amarinder's military background to attract voters in the border state. The party has been focusing on the national security issue heavily. Before the furore over PM Modi's security, there was the incident of a blast at the Ludhiana court complex, believed to be the handiwork of pro-Khalistani elements. However, anti-incumbency sentiment against Amarinder over issues like inaction in sacrilege cases, and the war on drugs is an unknown factor.
By allying with rebels like Amarinder and Akali Dal Sanyukt's Dhindsa and Brahmpura, the BJP may also be hoping to attract leaders of other parties who may feel disenchanted after ticket distribution.
To woo Sikhs, the BJP has reportedly been campaigning on issues like the opening of the Kartarpur corridor, and fresh action in cases on the 1984 riots.
But the recently-repealed farm laws may still prove to be one of the biggest vote-swingers in the state. Whether the revocation has cooled down the anger of a year-long protest will soon be known.

Punjab Election 2022: How strong is BJP in Punjab, really? Decoding farmer, Akali, Amarinder, Modi factors

Will the BJP be able to make a dent in the first Assembly elections after its separation with the Shiromani Akali Dal, and under the cloud of the contentious farm laws move?

Punjab Election 2022: How strong is BJP, really? Decoding farmer, Akali, Amarinder, Modi factors

((MODI FLYOVER IMAGES))
 VO:&nbsp;A security scare.
&nbsp;
 ((FEROZEPUR RALLY VISUALS))
 VO:&nbsp;A cancelled rally.
&nbsp;
 ((MODI, RAHUL CAMPAIGNING VISUALS))
 VO:&nbsp;And an important election.
&nbsp;
 ((MODI, SHAH PUNJAB RALLY VISUALS))
 VO:&nbsp;The recent controversy over an alleged lapse in PM Modi's security in Punjab has highlighted the BJP's vigorous campaign for the state.
 VO:&nbsp;The party's prospects have been on a roller coaster according to dissections by poll pundits.
&nbsp;
 ((FARM PROTEST VISUALS))
 VO:&nbsp;The downs included the protest against the farm laws, and the related break-up with the Shiromani Akali Dal.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
 ((SIDHU, AMARINDER, CHANNI VISUALS))
 VO:&nbsp;The ups have included infighting in the Congress, which led to one of its tallest leaders donning saffron.
&nbsp;
 ((MODI, SHAH PUNJAB RALLY VISUALS))
 VO:&nbsp;Now, the BJP is trying to capture headlines, and then power, in a province where it has been a junior partner for decades.
 VO:&nbsp;So how are its chances?
&nbsp;
 ((BIG PLATE WITH MODI IN TURBAN AND TEXT -&nbsp;DECODING BJP'S FIGHT FOR PUNJAB))
&nbsp;
 ((GFX)) HEADER - PUNJAB ELECTIONS: 2017 RESULT
 BJP - 3 AKALI DAL - 15 CONGRESS - 77 AAP - 20 LOK INSAAF PARTY - 2
 TOTAL - 117
&nbsp;
 VO ON GFX: The BJP currently 3 MLAs in the Punjab Assembly, which has a total strength of 117.&nbsp;It contested the 2017 elections with its then-ally Akali Dal, which won 15.&nbsp;The BJP had contested from 23 seats, and lost 20. The Akali Dal had fought on the remaining 94.&nbsp;The Congress had stormed to power with 77, while the Aam Aadmi Party gained a significant foothold with 20 seats.
&nbsp;
 &nbsp; ((MODI, SHAH PUNJAB RALLY VISUALS))
 VO:&nbsp;The BJP's performance in the state elections has also been steadily declining.
&nbsp;
 ((GFX))HEADER - PUNJAB ELECTIONS SUBHEADER - BJP'S PERFORMANCE
 2007 POLLS SEATS - 19 VOTES -&nbsp;8.28%
 2012 POLLS SEATS - 12 VOTES - 7.18%
 2017 POLLS SEATS - 3 VOTES - 5.39%
&nbsp;
 VO ON GFX: In the 2007 elections, the saffron party secured 19 seats with a vote share of 8.28%. Five years later, the seat share fell to 12 and the vote share to 7.18%. In the last elections, BJP won 3 seats with a 5.39% vote share.
&nbsp;
 ((VOTER VISUALS FILE))
 VO:&nbsp;Traditionally, the BJP is said to have banked on upper caste Hindu and Dalit votes in the state, while the 'panthik' party Akali Dal focused on the Sikh.&nbsp;While Hindus reportedly form around 12% of the vote share, Dalits constitute around 32%.
&nbsp;
 ((CHANNI VISUALS))
 VO:&nbsp;But the latter may swing towards the Congress as Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi belongs to the community.
&nbsp;
 ((BADAL MAYAWATI VISUALS))
 VO:&nbsp;The Akali Dal has also allied with Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party to gain an advantage here.
&nbsp;
 &nbsp; ((MODI, SHAH PUNJAB RALLY VISUALS))
 VO:&nbsp;So how significant was BJP's break-up with the Akali Dal, its partner for over 2 decades?
&nbsp;
 ((GFX)) HEADER - BJP, AKALIS' FIRST ELECTION AFTER BREAK-UP
 FIRST ELECTION AFTER BJP-AKALI DAL SEPARATION WAS CIVIC BODY POLL IN EARLY 2021 BJP FACED NEAR-WASHOUT, WINNING 49 OF 2,165 WARDS; LOST IN MANY STRONGHOLDS
 *AS PER REPORTS
&nbsp;
 VO ON GFX:&nbsp;The first polls that the two parties fought after separating were civic body elections in early 2021.&nbsp;The BJP was almost washed out, reportedly winning only 49 of 2,165 wards. It even lost in some of its strongholds.
&nbsp;
 ((AMIT SHAH, AMARINDER, GAJENDRA SHEKHAWAT MEETING IMAGES/VISUALS))
 VO:&nbsp;The party is now in an alliance with former Congress veteran Amarinder Singh's Punjab Lok Congress.
&nbsp;
 ((DHINDSA, BRAHMPURA IMAGES/VISUALS))
 VO: Also part of the grouping is Akali Dal (Sanyukt) - a breakaway faction of the Shiromani Akali Dal led by the Badals.
&nbsp;
 ((GFX)) HEADER - BJP'S PUNJAB GAMEPLAN
 BJP MAY BE HOPING TO CAPITALISE ON AMARINDER'S MILITARY BACKGROUND BY FOCUSING ON NATIONAL SECURITY APART FROM PM MODI 'SECURITY SCARE', BJP HIGHLIGHTING INCIDENTS LIKE LUDHIANA COURT COMPLEX BLAST POSSIBLE ANTI-INCUMBENCY AGAINST AMARINDER OVER SACRILEGE CASES, WAR ON DRUGS BJP MAY ALSO BE HOPING TO ATTRACT OTHER PARTIES' LEADERS DISENCHANTED AFTER TICKET DISTRIBUTION BJP USING ISSUES LIKE KARTARPUR CORRIDOR, ACTION ON 1984 RIOTS CASES TO WOO SIKH VOTERS QUESTION MARK ON IMPACT OF REVOCATION OF CONTENTIOUS FARM LAWS
&nbsp;
 VO ON GFX: The BJP might be hoping to use Captain Amarinder's military background to attract voters in the border state. The party has been focusing on the national security issue heavily.&nbsp;Before the furore over PM Modi's security, there was the incident of a blast at the Ludhiana court complex, believed to be the handiwork of pro-Khalistani elements. However, anti-incumbency sentiment against Amarinder over issues like inaction in sacrilege cases, and the war on drugs is an unknown factor.
 By allying with rebels like Amarinder and Akali Dal Sanyukt's, the BJP may also be hoping to attract leaders of other parties who may feel disenchanted after ticket distribution.
 To woo Sikhs, the BJP has reportedly been campaigning on issues like the opening of the Kartarpur corridor, and fresh action in cases on the 1984 riots.
 But the recently-repealed farm laws may still prove to be one of the biggest vote-swingers in the state. Whether the revocation has cooled down the anger of a year-long protest will soon be known.

<div>Will the BJP be able to make a dent in the first Assembly elections after its separation with the Shiromani Akali Dal, and under the cloud of the contentious farm laws move?</div>

The recent controversy over an alleged lapse in PM Modi's security in Punjab has highlighted the BJP's vigorous campaign for the state. The BJP is trying to capture headlines, and subsequently power, in a province where it has been a junior partner for decades.
The party's prospects seem to have been on a roller coaster with the&nbsp;downs including the protest against the farm laws, and the related break-up with the Shiromani Akali Dal, and the&nbsp;ups including infighting in the Congress, which led to one of its tallest leaders, Captain Amarinder Singh, donning saffron.
&nbsp;
ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/politics/pm-modi-security-breach-centre-says-international-shame-sc-asks-for-travel-records-to-be-saved-1641545975489" target="_blank">PM Modi security breach: Centre says 'international shame', SC asks for travel records to be saved</a>
&nbsp;
ELECTORAL ARITHMETIC
 The BJP currently 3 MLAs in the Punjab Assembly, which has a total strength of 117.&nbsp;It contested the 2017 elections with its then-ally Akali Dal, which won 15.&nbsp;The BJP had contested from 23 seats, and lost 20. The Akali Dal had fought on the remaining 94.&nbsp;The Congress had stormed to power with 77, while the Aam Aadmi Party gained a significant foothold with 20 seats.
&nbsp;
The BJP's performance in the state elections has also been steadily declining.&nbsp;In the 2007 elections, the saffron party secured 19 seats with a vote share of 8.28%. Five years later, the seat share fell to 12 and the vote share to 7.18%. In the last elections, BJP won 3 seats with a 5.39% vote share.&nbsp;Traditionally, the BJP is said to have banked on upper caste Hindu and Dalit votes in the state, while the 'panthik' party Akali Dal focused on the Sikh.&nbsp;While Hindus reportedly form around 12% of the vote share, Dalits constitute around 32%.&nbsp;But the latter may swing towards the Congress as Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi belongs to the community.&nbsp;The Akali Dal has also allied with Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party to gain an advantage here.
&nbsp; BJP-AKALI SEPARATION
 So how significant was BJP's break-up with the Akali Dal, its partner for over 2 decades?&nbsp;The first polls that the two parties fought after separating were civic body elections in early 2021.&nbsp;The BJP was almost washed out, reportedly winning only 49 of 2,165 wards. It even lost in some of its strongholds.
 THE NEW N.D.A.
 The party is now in an alliance with former Congress veteran Amarinder Singh's Punjab Lok Congress.&nbsp;Also part of the grouping is Akali Dal (Sanyukt) - a breakaway faction of the Shiromani Akali Dal led by the Badals.
 The BJP might be hoping to use Captain Amarinder's military background to attract voters in the border state. The party has been focusing on the national security issue heavily.&nbsp;Before the furore over PM Modi's security, there was the incident of a blast at the Ludhiana court complex, believed to be the handiwork of pro-Khalistani elements. However, anti-incumbency sentiment against Amarinder over issues like inaction in sacrilege cases, and the war on drugs is an unknown factor.
By allying with rebels like Amarinder and Akali Dal Sanyukt's, the BJP may also be hoping to attract leaders of other parties who may feel disenchanted after ticket distribution.
 To woo Sikhs, the BJP has reportedly been campaigning on issues like the opening of the Kartarpur corridor, and fresh action in cases on the 1984 riots.
 But the recently-repealed farm laws may still prove to be one of the biggest vote-swingers in the state. Whether the revocation has cooled down the anger of a year-long protest will soon be known.
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Amid various political parties seeking to woo voters with promises of free power and other freebies ahead of the assembly polls, the Uttar Pradesh government on Thursday announced a 50 per cent cut on farmers’ electricity bills for running their tubewells.
The Chief Minister's office made the announcement on its official Twitter handle that said the decision to slash the power bills has been taken in the interest of farmers.
While the CM’s office tweet tagged a picture of a newspaper advertisement announcing the relief for farmers, it also mentioned a cut in power bills for urban areas by half.
It was not immediately clear if the relief in urban areas was meant only for farmers in urban villages or all urban residents.
"Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath who is committed to the prosperity of farmers has decided to provide a 50 per cent rebate on the present rate of the electricity on their private tubewells,” the tweet said.
Accordingly, the revised rate for metered power connection would be Rs 1 per unit instead of Rs 2 now and the fixed charge on one horsepower motors would be Rs 35 instead of the present rate of Rs 70 per meter, it said.
Likewise for power connection without meter, the charge would be Rs 85 for one horsepower, half of Rs 170 taken presently.
In Urban areas, those having metered connection, electricity charge per unit would be Rs 3 in place of the present rate of Rs 6 and fixed meter rental charge of Rs 65 instead of Rs 130 collected currently.
It may be noted that various political parties have been outdoing each other in promising freebies, especially free electricity, among others ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in five states, including Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa and Manipur.
In Uttar Pradesh, Samajwadi Party and Aam Aadmi Party have promised to provide free up to 300 units of electricity, if voted to power.

UP Election 2022: As SP, AAP promise free power, Yogi slashes tariff for farmers by half

UP Power Play: As SP and AAP promise free electricity, CM Yogi slashes tariff for farmers by half 

Yogi slashes power rates for UP farmers by half

Amid various political parties seeking to woo voters with promises of free power and other freebies ahead of the assembly polls, the Uttar Pradesh government on Thursday announced a 50 per cent cut on farmers&rsquo; electricity bills for running their tubewells.
It was not immediately clear if the relief in urban areas was meant only for farmers in urban villages or all urban residents.
Various political parties have been outdoing each other in promising freebies, especially free electricity, among others ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.
In Uttar Pradesh, Samajwadi Party and Aam Aadmi Party have promised to provide up to 300 units of free electricity, if voted to power.

Power Play: The Uttar Pradesh government on Thursday announced a 50 per cent cut on farmers&rsquo; electricity bills for running their tubewells

Amid various political parties seeking to woo voters with promises of free power and other freebies ahead of the assembly polls, the Uttar Pradesh government on Thursday announced a 50 per cent cut on farmers&rsquo; electricity bills for running their tubewells.
The Chief Minister's office made the announcement on its official Twitter handle that said the decision to slash the power bills has been taken in the interest of farmers.
While the CM&rsquo;s office tweet tagged a picture of a newspaper advertisement announcing the relief for farmers, it also mentioned a cut in power bills for urban areas by half.
It was not immediately clear if the relief in urban areas was meant only for farmers in urban villages or all urban residents.
"Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath who is committed to the prosperity of farmers has decided to provide a 50 per cent rebate on the present rate of the electricity on their private tubewells,&rdquo; the tweet said.
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Accordingly, the revised rate for metered power connection would be Rs 1 per unit instead of Rs 2 now and the fixed charge on one horsepower motors would be Rs 35 instead of the present rate of Rs 70 per meter, it said.
Likewise for power connection without meter, the charge would be Rs 85 for one horsepower, half of Rs 170 taken presently.
In Urban areas, those having metered connection, electricity charge per unit would be Rs 3 in place of the present rate of Rs 6 and fixed meter rental charge of Rs 65 instead of Rs 130 collected currently.
It may be noted that various political parties have been outdoing each other in promising freebies, especially free electricity, among others ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in five states, including Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa and Manipur.
In Uttar Pradesh, Samajwadi Party and Aam Aadmi Party have promised to provide free up to 300 units of electricity, if voted to power.

Year Ender 2021 | The images that defined India

Historic farmers' protests at the beginning of the year to doctors protests to cap it. From death and despair during the Covid second wave to India's golden run at the Olympics and the crowning glory at the Miss Universe pageant after 21 years. A wrap of best images of 2021.

Year Ender 2021: India in images in the year 2021

Historic farmers' protests at the beginning of the year to doctors&nbsp;protests to cap it. From death and despair during the Covid second wave to India's golden run at the Olympics and the crowning glory at the Miss Universe pageant after 21 years. A wrap of best images of 2021.
Also watch:<a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/year-ender-2021-the-images-that-defined-the-world-1640681974318" target="_blank"> Year</a><a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/year-ender-2021-the-images-that-defined-the-world-1640681974318" target="_blank"> Ender 2021 | The images that defined the world</a>

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