Editor's Pick: The farmers' refusal to back down

Determined to keep the farmers' agitation going until all demands are met, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) announced that it would go ahead with its earlier plans of holding a mahapanchayat on November 22, going on a tractor march to Parliament during the winter session, and observing the anniversary of the protests. Apart from the repeal of the three laws, the other demands of the farmers include a statutory legal guarantee that all farmers will receive minimum support prices for their produce, protection of the Mandi system, an end to fines and jail sentences for stubble burning, and withdrawal of the Electricity Amendment Bill. The SKM is expected to send a proposal to the government today. The farmers are trying to understand why the Prime Minister has had a sudden change of heart and are upset that he continues to divide them along the lines of big and small farmers, said Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) national spokesperson Rakesh Tikait. They are also unhappy that the decision to repeal the laws was taken without any consultations with them. Mr. Tikait also said the Lakhimpur Kheri probe was not going in the right direction and the increase in the State Advised Price of sugarcane was not according to the expectations of the farmers. Meanwhile, parties have been quick to build a political narrative around the repeal of the laws. In an open letter to the Prime Minister, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra urged him to sack Minister of State for Home Affairs, Ajay Mishra 'Teni', whose son is accused of mowing down four farmers at a rally in Lakhimpur Kheri. Congress leaders have visited the families of farmers who died during the agitation and the party has decided to build a memorial in Punjab in their honour. The Rashtriya Lok Dal president, Jayant Singh, said the party stands with the SKM. Mr. Singh said it was because of the farmers' efforts and sacrifice that the Prime Minister had apologised. If farmers stand up for their rights, the "suit-boot ki sarkar" will end, he said. Within the BJP too, there has been protest against Mr. Teni with BJP MP Varun Gandhi seeking strict action against him, Rs. 1 crore compensation for the families of the four farmers killed, and the withdrawal of "politically motivated false FIRs" against the farmers. Despite the Prime Minister announcing the repeal of the laws, the farmers continue to distrust the government and its intent and the issue refuses to die down as the States go to the polls. This is why this story is the top pick of the day. The Hindu's Explainers Explained | Why are judicial transfers riddled by controversies? Explained | Will Pakistan law on Kulbhushan Jadhav help India’s position? Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Head over to our newsletter subscription page to sign up for Editor's Pick and more. 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[Arrow]( [Open in browser]( [Mail icon]( [More newsletters]( The farmers' refusal to back down [The farmers' refusal to back down] Determined to keep the farmers' agitation going until all demands are met, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) announced that it would [go ahead with its earlier plans]( of holding a mahapanchayat on November 22, going on a tractor march to Parliament during the winter session, and observing the anniversary of the protests. Apart from the repeal of the three laws, the other demands of the farmers include a statutory legal guarantee that [all farmers will receive minimum support prices]( for their produce, protection of the Mandi system, an end to fines and jail sentences for stubble burning, and withdrawal of the Electricity Amendment Bill. The SKM is expected to send a proposal to the government today. The farmers are trying to understand why the Prime Minister has had a sudden change of heart and are upset that he continues to divide them along the lines of big and small farmers, said Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) national spokesperson Rakesh Tikait. They are also unhappy that the decision to repeal the laws was taken without any consultations with them. Mr. Tikait also said the Lakhimpur Kheri probe was not going in the right direction and the increase in the State Advised Price of sugarcane was not according to the expectations of the farmers. Meanwhile, parties have been quick to build a political narrative around the repeal of the laws. In an open letter to the Prime Minister, [Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra]( urged him to sack Minister of State for Home Affairs, Ajay Mishra 'Teni', whose son is accused of mowing down four farmers at a rally in Lakhimpur Kheri. Congress leaders have visited the families of farmers who died during the agitation and the party has decided to build a memorial in Punjab in their honour. The Rashtriya Lok Dal president, Jayant Singh, said the party stands with the SKM. Mr. Singh said it was because of the farmers' efforts and sacrifice that the Prime Minister had apologised. If farmers stand up for their rights, the "suit-boot ki sarkar" will end, he said. Within the BJP too, there has been protest against Mr. Teni with [BJP MP Varun Gandhi seeking strict action]( against him, Rs. 1 crore compensation for the families of the four farmers killed, and the withdrawal of "politically motivated false FIRs" against the farmers. Despite the Prime Minister announcing the repeal of the laws, the farmers continue to distrust the government and its intent and the issue refuses to die down as the States go to the polls. This is why this story is the top pick of the day. [underlineimg] The Hindu's Explainers [Arrow][Explained | Why are judicial transfers riddled by controversies?]( [Arrow][Explained | Will Pakistan law on Kulbhushan Jadhav help India’s position?]( [underlineimg] Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Head over to our newsletter subscription page to sign up for Editor's Pick and more. [Click here]( Try out The Hindu's daily news quiz RBI has recommended a legislation to regulate which of the following aspects? - Securities market  - Digital lending apps  - Banking NPAs  - Currency circulation To find out the answer and play the full quiz, [click here](. 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