Protestor gathered in large numbers at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan today to convene the ‘Kisan Mazdoor Mahapanchayat.’ A leader from the Samyukt Kisan Morcha also labeled the Bharatiya Janata Party as “anti-farmer.”
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha has called for a one-day “Delhi Chalo,” bringing together all affiliated organizations to Ramlila Ground in Delhi. Thousands of Protestor have already arrived.
Participants in the Mahapanchayat stated that the stage proceedings will commence at noon on Thursday. Darshan Pal, a leader of SKM, highlighted the expansion of their network since their first arrival in Delhi during the 2020 Kisan Andolan.
#WATCH | Farmers gather at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan to hold ‘Kisan Mahapanchayat’ to press for their demands including MSP law pic.twitter.com/fmDB2iG0Gv
— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2024
“Today’s Kisan Mazdoor Mahapanchayat is being organized because we want to reveal the BJP government’s betrayal towards us,” he stated. “We aim to expose the anti-farmer stance of the BJP nationwide. Despite facing difficulties in reaching here, we were given permission only two days ago, with several conditions imposed. We strongly condemn this. We want to convey that ‘Delhi ab Door nahi hai,'” he added.
Regarding security arrangements, DCP Central M Harsha Vardhan informed ANI that elaborate measures have been taken to uphold law and order. “The organizing group has provided a written undertaking outlining various points concerning law and order maintenance,” he mentioned. “A considerable number of farmers have arrived, but we are optimistic that it will be within the limits outlined by SKM leaders. We have ample forces at our disposal, aiming to ensure minimal disruption to law and order and traffic flow.”
#WATCH | Delhi: On security arrangements, estimated farmers numbers & traffic arrangements, DCP Central M Harsha Vardhan says, “We have made elaborate arrangements to ensure that law & order is maintained. The organising group has also given a written undertaking in which there… pic.twitter.com/ou7wYt3N3f
— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2024
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) has urged Protestor and workers to participate in the ‘Kisan Mazdoor Mahapanchayat’ on March 14 peacefully and in large numbers. Preparations are underway to ensure significant participation and a politically impactful event, as per the SKM press release.
During the Mahapanchayat, a ‘Sankalp Patra’ or Letter of Resolution will be adopted to escalate the fight against pro-corporate, communal, and dictatorial policies of the Modi Government, aiming to safeguard farming, food security, livelihoods, and the people from corporate exploitation.
“In the context of the upcoming general election to the Lok Sabha, the Maha Panchayat will declare the future plan of action on how to intensify the ongoing struggle to achieve the genuine demands of farmers and workers,” the press release declared.
SKM has extended an invitation to all mass and class organizations and worker unions of students, youth, and women to join the Mahapanchayat.
The Delhi Police has issued a No Objection Certificate for conducting the Mahapanchayat at Ramlila Maidan on March 14, ensuring basic amenities like parking space, water, toilets, and ambulance services with the support of the Municipal Administration of Delhi.
#WATCH | On security arrangements for the ‘Kisan Mahapanchayat’, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Devesh Kumar Mahla says, “They (farmers) had started coming (to Delhi) from yesterday. We provided them buses for orderly movement & assistance…” pic.twitter.com/0MmfqdZRsX
— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2024
SKM has expressed pleasure in welcoming the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) Chaduni group of farmers to join the Kisan Mazdoor Mahapanchayat. Efforts to coordinate with Kisan organizations for greater issue-based unity and mobilize farmers against anti-farmer and anti-worker policies are ongoing.
“SKM vehemently opposes the Modi Government’s surrender before Developed European Countries and signing the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Free Trade Agreement,” the press release asserted. The SKM alleged that this agreement would significantly impact the home market and people’s livelihoods.
