Home Minister Amit Shah has called farmers for talks this evening, as the nationwide bandh called by farmers protesting against the farm laws draws to an end. He called farmers for talks a day before the government's sixth round of negotiations to end massive protests against farm laws.

The Home Minister's invite, indicating that the government is engaging with the farmers at the highest level, came as a nationwide shutdown or Bharat Bandh called by protesting farmers hit road and rail traffic in parts of the country, blocked many highways and shut down markets, affecting supplies.

 Spokesperson of Bhartiya Kisan Union  Rakesh Tikait said, "I received a phone call. Amit Shah has called a meeting. We have been called at 7 pm,"

Mr Tikait said various representatives of farmer groups protesting on the highways near Delhi would attend the meeting.

Opposition parties, including the Congress, NCP, Aam Aadmi Party, DMK and TRS, have backed today's protest. Opposition parties on Tuesday announced a meeting with President Ramnath Kovind on Wednesday at 5 pm. The joint delegation of five members will include Rahul Gandhi, Sharad Pawar and others, said CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury