Synopsis
Madhya Pradesh's Leader of Opposition, Umang Singhar, has accused the RSS-affiliated Bharatiya Kisan Sangh of misleading farmers regarding government procurement prices. He questions the BJP's commitment to farmer welfare in the state, as protests erupt over issues like power supply and fertilizer shortages.Key Takeaways
- BKS accused of misleading farmers.
- Singhar questions BJP's farmer welfare policies.
- Protests highlight issues of power and water supply.
- Farmers demand timely delivery of fertilizers.
- Security heightened in Bhopal during protests.
Bhopal, Feb 5 (NationPress) Madhya Pradesh Leader of Opposition (LoP) Umang Singhar on Wednesday condemned the RSS-linked Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) for misleading farmers.
“The Bharatiya Kisan Sangh is a front for the RSS that supports the BJP. They circulated pamphlets claiming that the government would buy paddy at Rs 3100 per quintal and wheat at Rs 2700 per quintal, which never occurred,” stated the Madhya Pradesh LoP.
He went on to claim that each time Congress raised farmers' concerns, BKS members chose to remain silent, misleading farmers to back the BJP-led government in Madhya Pradesh.
“The BJP has held power for several years, yet farmers have not seen any benefits from the schemes. I challenge the farmers—have you received these benefits? Will the BJP address this in the upcoming budget?” he questioned.
In response, Madhya Pradesh minister Vishwas Sarang countered Singhar’s remarks, asserting that BKS has consistently advocated for farmers' rights.
“The Congress should stop making baseless allegations. BKS is a credible organization that has always championed farmers' issues, and the state government is open to dialogue with them,” he remarked.
On the same day, numerous farmers from various parts of Madhya Pradesh assembled in Bhopal to take part in a protest organized by BKS.
Before initiating the demonstration, the farmers gathered at the BKS office in Bhopal for a meeting, where they declared their intention to gherao 'Bhallabh Bhawan' (the state secretariat).
The purpose of the protest is to highlight the need for adequate power supply, irrigation water, and several other matters concerning agricultural land.
“We are protesting against higher officials who design policies for farmers, focusing on their profitable execution. We aim to gherao Ballabh Bhawan,” said Arvind Singh, a BKS member, to IANS.
He further mentioned that farmers are facing a shortage of fertilizers delivered in a timely manner.
To ensure public safety, significant security measures have been put in place. Police barricades were erected on roads leading to Arera Hills, where Ballabh Bhawan and other government offices are located.