Why Are Punjab CM and Kejriwal Supporting Farmers in Gujarat's Milk Price Protest?

Modasa, July 23 (NationPress) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal visited Gujarat's tribal region on Wednesday to show their support for the farmers and dairy workers protesting for better milk prices.

During a Mahapanchayat in Modasa, Kejriwal criticized the ruling BJP government, stating that even after 75 years of independence, the farmers and livestock keepers in India are still not receiving fair prices.

“When they assert their rights, they face violence and tear gas,” he said.

Kejriwal was accompanied by senior AAP leaders, including Gujarat state chief Isudan Gadhvi and MLA Gopal Italia, as they accused the BJP of systematically exploiting cooperative institutions and misappropriating dairy profits to finance political rallies and suppress dissent.

“Where milk producers used to receive 16-17 percent price increases, now they are only offered 9.5 percent. Where is the rest of the money going?” he questioned.

Gopal Italia remarked that it is disgraceful that in a nation where agriculture is the backbone, farmers are compelled to protest on the streets.

Italia alleged that profits earned by dairy producers are being redirected to construct BJP offices and manipulate local dairy cooperatives through intimidation and bribery.

Bhagwant Mann likened the current situation to Punjab before AAP's emergence, warning the BJP that “arrogance precedes a downfall.”

He charged the state with trying to silence farmer voices through police violence and false accusations, emphasizing that “this struggle is not solely about milk; it’s a battle for justice and dignity.”

AAP also demanded Rs 1 crore in compensation for the family of deceased farmer Ashok Chaudhary from the Gujarat government and Sabarkantha Dairy, along with an immediate rollback of the suppressed milk rate hike and full transparency in cooperative accounts.

The Mahapanchayat drew thousands of dairy farmers and agricultural workers from Sabarkantha, Aravalli, Banaskantha, and nearby districts, many of whom recounted experiences of intimidation and harassment by local officials and BJP leaders.

Isudan Gadhvi, recalling the 1985 farmers' massacre under the Congress regime, cautioned that history could repeat itself for the BJP if they persist in ignoring farmers' concerns.

“This is no longer merely a protest - it’s a movement. Gujarat desires change.”

AAP leaders also accused the BJP of misusing milk testing equipment to underpay farmers based on inaccurate fat content assessments, cheating producers out of crores.

“If bullets are aimed at farmers, let them strike me first. We are unafraid. We are the heirs of Bhagat Singh,” declared Kejriwal.