Cong holds rally to back farmers’ stir
During the march, party workers raised slogans against petrol and diesel price hike
KOTA: The ruling Congress on Saturday carried out a protest march across the state in support of the agitating farmers, who are demanding that the central government repeal the three new farm laws, which they say will hurt them and benefit the corporates.
Protest marches were organised by the Congress at all district headquarters following a directive from the party high command. The biggest padyatra (foot march) was carried out in Jaipur in which state ministers, MLAS and senior party leaders participated. Many Congress MLAS and leaders were seen riding camels, horses, elephants, tractors and bikes during the march in Jaipur.
Chief minister Ashok Gehlot and state Congress president Govind Singh Dotasara, however, did not take part in the march due to other engagements. Reportedly, Gehlot could not attend the march due to Niti Aayog’s Governing Council meeting while Dotasara is touring Sikar, his home constituency.
The padyatra started from the Pradesh Congress office in Jaipur and went through Chandpole bazar, Chhoti Chopad, Tripolia Gate, Badi chopar and other areas of the city. The Congress workers also raised slogans against petrol and diesel price hike.
Transport minister Pratap Singh Khachariyavas said the Bjp-led central government was not listening to the farmers who are agitating in adverse weather across the country for the past three months.
“The Modi government is insensitive but now it should withdraw the farm laws in the interest of farmers,” Khachariyavas said.
Urban development minister Shanti Dhariwal’s son Amit led a padyatra in Kota while Vaibhav Gehlot, the chief minister’s son, participated in a padyatra in his hometown Jodhpur.
Labour minister Tikaram Jully participated in a protest rally in Alwar. “The Centre is not hearing grievances of the farmers. Prices of cooking gas, diesel and patrol are increasing everyday. The Centre is targeting farmers but the Congress will always support farmers in their struggle,” Jully said.
BJP state unit president Satish Poonia said the protest rally is a political gimmick by the Congress in the name of the farmers.
“The Gehlot government should fulfil the poll promise of complete farm loan waiver,” he said. “Gehlot has even failed in delivering security to girls and women in the state; every section of the society is troubled by the Congress government.”
A farmer leader from Sanyukt Kisan Morcha in Rajasthan said, “Padyatra by the Congress in support of farmers is a welcome move but the party should reveal whether the protest is against the globalisation policies which lie at the root of such farm laws”
Addressing a mahapanchayat on Friday, former deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot said the Centre’s agricultural laws are not only anti-farmer but also against people from the middle class and they will force the government to withdraw the legislations.