Calling on every Indian citizen’s power of universal adult franchise, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) on March 12, 2021 asked states with upcoming elections to “dent the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) quest for votes, seats and power.”
Stating that the Modi-government only understands the language of votes, seats and power, it said, “The SKM does not intend to tell you who you should vote for, but is only asking you not to vote for the BJP. We are not advocating for any particular party. We have only one appeal – do not vote even by mistake [for] the lotus symbol.”
Leaders told the people of Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal in an open letter that the ruling regime is keen on making inroads in southern states. At such a time, farmers requested states to teach the “anti-farmer” BJP that it is not wise oppose India’s farmers.
“If you manage to teach them this lesson, the arrogance of the party can be broken, and we can get the demands of the ongoing farmers’ movement fulfilled,” said farmer leaders.
For the past three and a half months, farmers have been agitating against three farm laws: the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance & Farm Services Act, the Farmer’s Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act.
That is to say, for 105 days lakhs of farmers camped at Delhi borders in their tractor-trolleys and tents, leaving their villages and farming. After a bone-chilling winter and occasional rain, farmers now prepare for a hot summer.
Nonetheless, peasants asserted that they will not return home until they are allowed their “basic rights.” So far, nearly 300 farmers died during the farmers’ struggle for reasons varying from extreme cold to illness to accident and suicide.
“When the protesting farmers at Delhi’s borders will meet their families is very much in your hands,” said the SKM, adding, “The farmers’ fighting spirit in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal is well known, and we are confident that you will respond positively to our call. We are sure you will remember this appeal while casting your vote.”
Wanting to reason their demand to the people, farmers listed the series of events that unfolded in areas where the BJP-government was in power:
• Introduction of the three farm laws that dismantle government protection for poor farmers, consumers and facilitate private corporations and big capital.
• Maligning protesting farmers as agents of political parties, extremists and anti-nationals.
• Multiple rounds of consultations with farmer leaders wherein Ministers refused to listen to farmers’ demands.
• Use of tear gas shells, water cannons on protesting farmers, lathi charge and even FIRs and arrests against innocent farmers.
• Alleged role of BJP members in violent incidents of stone pelting on farmers at protest sites.
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