Though Punjab and Haryana are likely to be the epicentre of the protests, the demand for legal guarantee of minimum support prices (MSP) has garnered supports from all farmers organisations, including those affiliated to the RSS.
On Friday, over two dozen farmers’ organisations from across the country, supported by 18 political parties including the Congress, will hit the streets to protest the controversial farm bills passed by Parliament. Though Punjab and Haryana are likely to be the epicentre of the protests, the demand for legal guarantee of minimum support prices (MSP) has garnered supports from all farmers organisations, including those affiliated to the RSS. Normal life in many places is likely to be disturbed as farmers stage road and rail blocks to make themselves heard.
A nationwide Bandh was announced by the All India Farmers Union (AIFU), Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), All India Kisan Mahasangh (AIKM), and All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC). In states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, farmer bodies have also called for a shutdown.
Bhartiya Kisan Sangh and Swadeshi Jagran Manch- the RSS affiliated farmer bodies, have also demanded amendment to the legislations but they won’t be taking part in the protest today.
Earlier, voicing support to the for the Bharat Bandh call given by farmer organisations, Congress on Friday alleged that the new agriculture laws would “enslave” farmers and the MSP will be “snatched away” from them.
“A flawed GST destroyed MSMEs. The new agriculture laws will enslave our farmers,” Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tweeted with hashtag ‘I Support Bharat Bandh’.
Other Congress leaders such as Priyanka Gandhi and Randeep Surjewala have also voiced their opposition to the bills and supported Bharat Bandh.
Along with Congress, a total of 18 parties including AAP, the Left parties, NCP, DMK, SP, Trinamool Congress, RJD urged the President not to sign the bills.
As an independent media platform, we do not take advertisements from governments and corporate houses. It is you, our readers, who have supported us on our journey to do honest and unbiased journalism. Please contribute, so that we can continue to do the same in future.
