New Delhi: The Congress extended support to the farmer leaders who staged a major show of strength at the 'Kisan Mahapanchayat' in Muzaffarnagar on Sunday where they announced their plan to campaign against the ruling party in Uttar Pradesh and escalate their protests against the three controversial farm laws. "This is no "politicization" of the matter but farmers are exercising their "democratic right" to raise voice against the government over the three agricultural laws," said AICC Haryana in-charge Vivek Bansal.
"Farmers were agitated against BJP from the very beginning over the farm laws. In Haryana, farmers didn't allow BJP to hold meetings. This is not politicization. In a democratic country, every section can raise their voice against those in power if they feel that their rights are being suppressed," Bansal told ETV Bharat.
Read: Muzaffarnagar Mahapanchyat successful, says farmer leader Rakesh Tikait
Samyukt Kisan Morcha, the umbrella body of farmers unions, has been leading the movement over the last nine months demanding a withdrawal of three farm laws. During the Muzaffarnagar Mahapanchayat, Rakesh Tikait, leader of Bhartiya Kisan Union led the charge against the BJP, drawing loud cheers.
Vivek Bansal also agreed that the farmers' cadre is completely anguished against the BJP over these three farm laws and they are adamant not to give away with their demands until the Center bow down. On behalf of his party, Bansal said, "Congress always stood in support of the farmers. Wasn't it necessary for the Center to consult the farmers before passing these bills? Their actions only point towards crony capitalism."
"What is the meaning of speaking to farmers after passing legislations in the Parliament? Centre should have consulted farmers who are directly impacted by these bills. What farmers are demanding is absolutely correct. These bills must be withdrawn first and then Center should again speak to the farmers to decide on future course of action," he further said.
At the mahapanchayat, leaders of neither RLD and SP were present on stage but both these parties tried to pacify the farmers by offering logistical support.
