Hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced to repeal three farm laws, President of Bhartiya Kisan Union Naresh Tikait on November 19 welcomed Prime Minister Modi’s decision and said, “We welcome this move. Though it took the PM a year to make such an announcement. Talks should happen. Whatever decision (on protest withdrawal) is taken, it will be followed. It's SKM's right to do.” “Earlier farmers would oppose BJP ministers, MLA; now we will allow them (at protest site). But we had not restricted them as the protest was underway and we had told them to come less,” he added.