Rattled by the farmers’ threat to lay siege to the Assembly from Thursday, the Rajasthan government launched a crackdown on their leaders, arresting hundreds of them, and took measures to stop the entry of protesters here.
The All India Kisan Sabha condemned the government’s action, and termed it undemocratic.
Those arrested included the former CPI(M) MLAs Amra Ram, Pema Ram and Pawan Duggal.
Mr. Amra Ram and a large number of his supporters, held in Chomu, were shifted to the Central Jail here on Wednesday. Several farmer leaders were arrested from Sikar, Bikaner, Hanumangarh, Churu, Nagaur, Jhunjhunu and Kota districts.
The CPI(M)-affiliated AIKS had given a call to farmers, agricultural labourers and cattle rearers to march to Jaipur and lay siege to the Assembly during the ongoing Budget session.
The farmers’ body accused the BJP government of dishonesty in its budgetary announcement of farm loan waiver and failure to fulfil its promises made to farmers after their 13-day-agitation in the Shekhawati region last September.
