Muzaffarnagar (Uttar Pradesh): The Kisan Mahapanchayat in Muzaffarnagar on Sunday, turned out to be a massive show of strength of farmer unity as over 300 farmer unions from 15 states participated under the aegis of the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and reiterated their resolve to continue with the protest.
The farmers unanimously gave a call for a complete Bharat Bandh on September 27 in protest against the three contentious farm laws.
"They (the Centre) said only a handful of farmers are protesting. Let them see what a handful this is today. Let us raise our voices so it reaches the ears of those sitting in Parliament," the speakers said.
The farmer leaders said that the Mahapanchayat will also prove that the agitation has the support of 'all castes, religions, states, classes, small traders and all sections of the society'.
The SKM said in a statement, "The Mahapanchayat today will make the Modi and Yogi governments realise the power of farmers, farm labourers, and supporters of the farm movement. The Muzaffarnagar Mahapanchayat will be the biggest ever in the last nine months."
Farmer leaders made it amply clear that they would campaign against the ruling BJP in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand Assembly elections in 2022 if the governments did not accept their demands. They even threatened to continue their agitation till 2024 when Lok Sabha elections are due.
They further said that efforts would now be made to strengthen the movement and ensure that farmers have their own government -- one that caters to their interests.
Rakesh Tikait, BKU spokesperson, told reporters, "This is the strength of farmers and how long will the governments continue to deny us our rights. The farmers have come from several states on their own and they are not here for any political party."
Read: Kisan Mahapanchayat underway amid tight security in UP's Muzaffarnagar