The joint secretary’s letter was in response to Pal’s email to him on December 16. Pal had informed him about the unions’ decision, rejecting the Centre’s December 9 proposals on amending farm laws and clarifying certain provisions. Pal had also requested the Centre not to defame farmers' movement and "stop holding parallel talks" with other farmer organisations (those which are not involved in the protest against the farm laws). Responding to Pal, Aggarwal on Sunday in his letter said, “It is not clear from your email whether it was your individual opinion or it was the consensus decision of all unions. Besides, it is also not clear as to why the government proposal (of December 9) was rejected”.