Farmers' representatives, participating in the fourth round of talks with the government over their charter of demands, refused to eat the food that was offered to them by the government. They preferred to eat the food brought by their supporters.
The group of 34 farmer union leaders also set up a separate food stall in Vigyan Bhawan-- the government-farmer talks venue.
At Vigyan Bhawan where the meeting is being held, farmers representatives joined at a long table for a quick lunch while some sat on the floor.
A farmer leader said, "They offered us food, we denied and are having our langar, which we have brought with us.”
As the talks broke for lunch after over three hours, the government representatives invited the farmer leaders to have the food arranged by the Centre. The farmers declined their offer and said they would not take any favour from the government until their demands are answered.
In the first half of the meeting, the farmer leaders spoke about the flaws in the three farm laws and why they are so apprehensive about it.
In the second half of the meeting, agriculture minister Narendra Tomar, his cabinet colleague Piyush Goyal and junior minister Som Parkash are expected to speak.
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The farmers' demand includes framing of a specific law on Minimum Support Price (MSP) and a written assurance on it.
They want to centre to end the punishment provision for stubble burning, repealing three contentious farm laws passed in September during the Monsoon Session of Parliament and stalling the upcoming Electricity (Amendment) Act, 2020.
Source: IANS