The Rashtriya Kisan Mahasangh, an umbrella body of 110 farmers’ organisations, has declared a 10-day ‘gaon bandh’, or village shutdown, from June 1, to draw attention to the ongoing agrarian crisis. Farm produce, especially perishables such as vegetables and milk, will not be supplied to cities during this period, the leaders of the shutdown said.
Meanwhile, former BJP leader Yashwant Sinha joined the Mahasangh on Friday. Criticising the Centre at a press conference held here, Mr Sinha said, “I can say that the Modi government has done nothing for them [farmers], not even fulfilled the promises written in the BJP manifesto. Whatever he [Modi] is promising is all a farce.”
Different groups are still in the process of negotiating the details of the strike and a common minimum platform, and plan to hold a strategy meeting in Chandigarh on May 2. Among the demands are a complete loan waiver and a higher minimum support price, at least 50% higher than the total cost of production.
