Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address to the nation on the occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti announced that the BJP govt has decided to repeal all the three controversial farm laws in the upcoming winter session of parliament.

"We couldn't convince a section of farmers despite best efforts. The goal of the three farm laws was to empower farmers, especially small farmers," he said.

The big announcement, which comes just as Punjab readies itself for assembly polls, will be looked at as a measure to appease the farmers of the state who protested the most against the bill.

In the first reaction coming after the announcement, Captain Amrinder Singh has welcomed the move.

Great news! Thankful to PM @narendramodi ji for acceding to the demands of every punjabi & repealing the 3 black laws on the pious occasion of #GuruNanakJayanti. I am sure the central govt will continue to work in tandem for the development of Kisani! #NoFarmers_NoFood @AmitShah

— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) November 19, 2021

Meanwhile, farmer leader, Rakesh Tikait has said that the protests won't be withdrawn till the three laws are actually repealed by the Parliament.

Modi in his address pointed what his government has done to help the small farmers and gave his rationale for bringing the three agricultural reforms, which turned controversial later.

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All you need to know about agriculture reform Bills and why farmers are against them

The Prime Minister said that farmers upliftment was the biggest priority for his government since he took office in 2014. He said that the laws were meant for the upliftment of the 10 crore small farmers of the nation.

Modi listed that the small farmers have received Rs 1 lakh crore in funds due to the crop insurance scheme launched by the government and that the agriculture budget has increased more than five times in his tenure.

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi has tweeted and said that the government has had to bow down to the farmers' satyagraha (protests).

देश के अन्नदाता ने सत्याग्रह से अहंकार का सर झुका दिया।अन्याय के खिलाफ़ ये जीत मुबारक हो!

जय हिंद, जय हिंद का किसान!#FarmersProtest https://t.co/enrWm6f3Sq— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) November 19, 2021

What are/were the bills in short?

The three bills in question are the Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill and The Farmers' (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020 and the Essential Commodities Act amendment bill.

The first is on agricultural market reforms, while the second is about contract farming provisions.

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(Edited by : Abhishek Jha)

First Published:Nov 19, 2021 9:19 AM IST