Yesterday, bypolls result especially in Haryana and Himachal Pradesh hold a clue for what is in store for Bhartiya Janata Party, if it does not align government policies with citizens’ interests, said Samyukt Kisan Morcha.
In the Parliamentary By-elections to 3 seats today, BJP got only one seat out of 3. In the Assembly by-elections to 30 assembly seats in 14 states, wherever the farmers’ movement has put in its energies to urge voters to punish BJP for its anti-farmer policies, in states like Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan, the results went against BJP.
Dialogue is only solution for any agitation: Manohar Lal Khattar
SKM has agreed to the statement made by Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar, that dialogue is the only solution for any agitation, and for the farmers’ struggle too.
However, BJP has remained unwilling to resume dialogue with the protesting farmers. The last round of talks ended on January 22nd 2021. After this, the government has refused to resume the dialogue.
Meanwhile, several BJP leaders, including Mr Khattar, have made threatening statements against the farmers, and tried to repress the movement in all possible ways.
Cotton crop compensation announced by Punjab Government inadequate
The damage to cotton crop caused by heavy pink bollworm infestation has led to extensive losses for cotton farmers in several districts of Punjab and Haryana. Now, several suicide cases are being reported of such loss-incurring farmers. The compensation offered by the government, between ₹ 2000 and ₹ 12000 per acre depending on a categorisation of extent of damage, does not cover even a fraction of the losses incurred by farmers which is estimated at ₹ 60,000 per acre. Punjab farmer unions are continuing to fight for an adequate compensation package for loss-incurring farmers.
Official figures, especially with regard to stocks at this point of time of different kinds of chemical fertilisers vis-a-vis stocks available in 2020 and 2019 at the same time, shows a clear picture of significant shortage of fertilisers like DAP.
SKM demands that the government step up all measures to alleviate the crisis.
At Singhu Border morcha today, Punjabi folk artists Manmohan Waris and Kamal Heer performed for the protesting farmers and raised their spirits. “Asin jittenge zarur, jari jung rakhiyo” re-inspired the farmers. They will be going to Tikri Border also to perform there. Protesting farmers will soon complete one-year of continuous struggle at Delhi’s borders. Artists of Punjab and other states have made a significant contribution to the positive energies that drive the movement. Samyukt Kisan Morcha acknowledges this with great respect and affection.
A bail petition by four accused in Lakhimpur Kheri massacre was rejected by the CJM court. Meanwhile, there are regular attempts by the BJP leaders to undermine justice in the case, including transfer of officers, delay in witness reports and VIP treatment to the accused Ashish Mishra and his accomplices. The main sutradhaar of the massacre, Ajay Mishra Teni, continues to hold his post as Union Minister of State for Home Affairs.
SKM reiterates its demand for dismissal and arrest of Ajay Mishra Teni, and for a Supreme-Court-monitored SIT investigation.
