Farmer numbers thinning at Ghazipur border

The number of protesting farmers at various borders of Delhi including Ghazipur has thinned. However, the farmers protesting at the border are adamant on their demands to make MSP and state procurement of crops a legal right. Also, assurances that conventional procurement system will remain including withdrawal of the contentious farm laws.

New Delhi: Farmers' agitation continues at various borders of Delhi including Ghazipur. The initial phase of the movement in the months of December and January witnessed large farmer crowds at the Ghazipur border. On one hand, the leaders of opposition political parties reached out to support the peasant movement, while on the other hand social workers too extended their support. Also, farmers from hundreds of villages reached the protest site with tractor trolleys.

From February, Rakesh Tikait a farmer leader, politician and spokesperson of the Bharatiya Kisan Union from Uttar Pradesh began organising 'mahapanchayats'. His rally in different states is being considered as a message to the Centre that the farmers’ stir is not restricted to the national capital.

After having conducted 'mahapanchayats' in various states the farmer leader Rakesh Tikait reached the Ghazipur border on Tuesday. However, this time there has been no significant increase in the number of farmers at the Ghazipur border. Though Tikait was present on the stage, the front area close to the dais appeared quite empty.

On being asked about the same, Rakesh Tikait, who is the national spokesperson of the Indian Farmers Union, said that as the government is busy fighting elections, similarly our people have also gone to the villages to cut wheat. After a month, the government will return to Delhi, then the farmers too will return to the Ghazipur border from the village.

Farm work is at its peak at present and in such a situation, the farmers too are busy.