AIKS to gherao Maharashtra government offices on June 1 – The Hindu

The Left-affiliated All Indian Kisan Sabha (AIKS) on Tuesday said on Monday that it would stage a demonstration on June 1 to compel the State government to fulfil promises made to farmers.

Members of the AIKS will government offices across Maharashtra that day and farmer leader Dr. Ajit Nawale said here on Tuesday that they will welcome like-minded farmer outfits to join in the demonstration.

“The present [BJP] government has a history of giving false assurances. After our ‘long march’ last month, the government said it would form a committee to fulfil our demands which include complete farm loan waiver, forest land rights, and implementation of recommendations of M S Swaminathan Commission. However, the State seems to be tardy in implementing these,” he said.

Last month, more than 35,000 farmers participated in a long march organised by the AIKS from Nashik to Mumbai demanding immediate implementation of measures designed to improve agricultural produce and the lives of farmers.

“June 1 will mark one year of the farmers’ agitation at Puntamba in Ahmednagar district. The AIKS had essayed a major role then, and had again put pressure on the government with its rally last month,” said Dr. Ajit Nawale adding that the government was completely ignoring issues like waiver of electricity bills and grant of forest rights.

Commenting on State Irrigation Minister Girish Mahajan, Dr. Nawale said that he merely played the “role of a fire brigade”, temporarily dousing the flames of the farmers’ ire.

“He [Girish Mahajan] is always sent to pacify us with assurances. No concrete step is later taken by this [BJP] government. For over a year, all demands made by the Kisan Sabha concerning the woes of the farmers have been repeatedly ignored. Hence, we are taking to the streets again on June 1,” he said.