The state unit of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), a coalition of farmers’ unions, and the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) jointly announced their participation in a three-day ‘Mahapadav’ protest, beginning November 26. The protest aims to voice opposition against what they term as “anti-worker, anti-farmer, anti-people, and anti-national policies” of the Central government.
Addressing a press conference in Agartala, CITU leader Sankar Prasad Dutta and SKM state unit leader Pabitra Kar shared the details of the protest plan.
The joint platforms plan to initiate a deputation program across subdivisions on November 26, followed by a Raj Bhavan Abhiyan on November 28, pressing for a 21-point charter of demands.Demands include the replacement of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) with a new crop insurance and compensation scheme, GST exemption on farm inputs like fertilizers, seeds, and agri-equipment, and the removal of Union Minister for Home, Ajay Mishra Teni, whom they allege is linked to the Lakhimpur Kheri incident on October 3, 2021, among others.The SKM and CITU criticized the BJP-led Central government, accusing it of prioritizing corporate interests over the welfare of farmers across the nationThe three-day protest underscores the continued resilience of the farmers’ movement, echoing concerns over agricultural policies and demanding reforms to ensure the well-being of the farming community.
As the SKM and CITU join forces for this protest, it further amplifies the collective stance against policies perceived as detrimental to the interests of workers and farmers in the country.
