AIKS Congratulates Rajasthan Kisans for Historic Struggle
The All India Kisan Sabha congratulates the peasantry in Rajasthan, who have launched a historic struggle since 1st September, 2017. An indefinite Mahapadav (Gherao) of District Collectorates was started on 1st September which saw massive participation across the State. Lakhs of farmers and other sections of society marched on the streets in different districts. A mock funeral of the Vasundhara Raje led BJP Government was held in which enthusiastic participation of farmers and large number of women was witnessed across the State. Earlier the peasant movement in the State had a victorious struggle against the exorbitant increase in electricity price hike forcing the BJP Government to withdraw the decision. In this phase of struggle which has been continuing all sections of the society including students, youth, women, Adivasis, Dalits, small traders have joined in an unprecedented show of solidarity.
The main demands of the present struggle are implementation of Swaminathan Commission recommendation of fixing Minimum Support Price at least 50 percent above cost of production (C2+50%) with assured procurement, loan waiver for all agricultural workers, poor and middle farmers, pension of Rs.5,000/- per month for agricultural workers and farmers above the age of 60 years, employment for unemployed, effective crop insurance, protection of crops from stray cattle and wild animals, right to trade in cattle etc. Despite the massive protests the insensitive BJP Government has refused to address the genuine demands. In this light it has been decided to further intensify the struggle. All Government offices will be brought to standstill and farmers have been gathering with their tractors, carts and vehicles in District headquarters. The Rajasthan Kisan Sabha has decided to continue the struggle and not withdraw unless the anti-farmer BJP Government relents and concrete assurances are won.
All India Kisan Sabha extends solidarity with the struggle and salutes the resolve of the farmers that they will not withdraw the struggle unless their demands are met.
Sd/-
Amra Ram, President
Hannan Mollah, General Secretary
