The Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) on Monday described the increase in purchase price of sugarcane by the UP government as a ‘cruel joke.’
The farmers’ union maintains that this ‘Bharat bandh’ would be ‘historic.’ Today marks one year of the passing of three controversial agricultural laws.
September 27 was the day when Indian President Ram Nath Kovind gave assent to the three bills with his signing.
The umbrella body of farmers nationwide has been protesting against these three agricultural laws for around 10 months.
But today’s Bharat Bandh will be peaceful and the public will face minimal inconvenience. Rakesh Tikait also appealed to the public to support farmers and not to come out of homes before 4 p.m.
The guideline issued dictates during the time of the Bharat Bandh, central and state government offices, markets, shops, factories, schools, colleges and other educational institutions will not be allowed to function.
Farmers call Bharat Bandh today
Also, Public and private transport will not be allowed to ply on roads; no public functions will be allowed. But emergency services including ambulances and fire services will be allowed to function.
The main themes for the day would be ‘Bharat Bandh against Anti-Farmer Modi Government’, ‘Modi Brings in Mandi Bandh’, ‘Farmers take up Bharat Bandh’ and so on, the SKM statement reads.
In a release, the BKU reminded that the advisory committee on sugarcane prices calculated the input cost of sugarcane production as Rs 350 per quintal.
“Today’s move has proved yet again that this is a government of the corporates. We will bring farmers and farm labour together to uproot this insensitive government,” said the farmers’ leader Tikait.
It is to be noted that farmers‘ Bharat Bandh has already gathered support from several political parties. These include Congress, AAP, YSRC, DMK, Telugu Desam, Left parties, BSP, RJD etc.
Now the Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu governments have also announced complete support to the nationwide strike.
But Delhi will remain under blanket security. Moreover, traders, small industries, shopkeepers won’t be affected by this Bharat Bandh.
The All India Bank Officers’ Confederation has also extended its support to farmers’ call of Bharat Bandh.
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