Farmers across India have called for a Bharat Bandh on December 8. They have been holding protests against agrarian laws passed recently in Parliament. The bandh was called by the protesting farmers after several rounds of talks with the Central government failed.

While the Centre is firm on its stance on the laws, farmers want them rolled back as they fear, they will be at the mercy of corporates to sell their produce. Here is a look at key developments on the Bharat Bandh call:

The bandh has been called by farmers' unions on three farm laws enacted in September, during the Monsoon Session of Parliament. Major political parties, such as the Congress, NCP, DMK, SP, TRS and Left, on Sunday, came out in strong support of the bandh. Even NDA member RLP has offered support to farmers.

Talks between the government and protesting farmers remained inconclusive on Saturday even after five rounds of discussions as union leaders stuck to their demand for the repeal of the new farm laws and went on a 'maun vrat' seeking a clear "yes or no" reply, forcing the Centre to call for another meeting on December 9 to resolve the deadlock.

The Centre has asked all states and Union Territories to tighten security during Tuesday's 'Bharat Bandh' call while asserting that peace and tranquillity must be maintained across the country, officials said.

In a countrywide advisory, the Union Home Ministry said that the state governments and UT administrations must ensure that the COVID-19 guidelines issued regard to health and social distancing are strictly followed.

Traders' body CAIT and the All India Transporters Welfare Association on Monday said markets across the country including in Delhi will remain open on Tuesday and transport services will also remain operative, notwithstanding the "Bharat-Bandh" call given by protesting farmers. However, transport facilities and supplies of essentials like vegetables and fruits are likely to be affected in the Delhi as various unions and associations of cab drivers and mandi traders have decided to join the 'Bharat Bandh'.

-With agency inputs

First Published:Dec 7, 2020 5:57 PM IST