The Bharatiya Kisan Union organised a tractor rally in Seoni Malwa of Narmadapuram district on Monday, in which farmers demanded an increase in the support price of soybean, paddy and wheat. Initially, the administration allowed a rally of 500 tractors, but permission for gathering in the mandi premises was not given.
However, on the demand of the farmers and prominent farmer leader Rakesh Tikait, the administration had to bow down and the main gate of the Mandi was opened. After this, farmers and activists reached the Mandi premises, where a meeting was organized in the presence of Rakesh Tikait.
At the meeting, Tikait said, “This mandi is our home, and we should always hold our meetings here. Who can stop farmers from coming to the mandi?” He also made it clear that no political person will come to the mandi and they will not be given a mike.
Earlier, the administration had suggested Tikait to hold a meeting near Mandi Bridge, but Tikait clarified that the event would be held only in the Mandi and the administration was trying to suppress the voice of the farmers. Due to this, heavy police force was deployed outside the Mandi premises, but the farmers forced the administration to bow down to their stubbornness.
This rally and gathering has generated enthusiasm among the local farmers, and showed their unity regarding their demands.
Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait targeted the administration and said- this is an atrocity
Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait called the administration’s action in the Seoni Malwa Mandi premises an atrocity. He said, “The administration is not allowing a panchayat to be held. Has this become Gujarat? Don’t the farmers of Madhya Pradesh have the right to raise their voice?” Tikait made it clear that if the meeting is not held inside the Mandi, then he will not allow any meeting to be held anywhere in the state.
Tikait put forward his demand more strongly, stating that “the farmers of Madhya Pradesh should get a rate of more than 6 thousand rupees for soybean. The administration should not make much fuss.” He also said that all the farmers who are coming with tractors will reach Seoni Malwa Mandi and submit a memorandum to the government.
Tikait also protested against the administration’s proposal and said that the market is the place of farmers, so either we will hold a meeting there or get arrested. His statement further strengthened the unity among the farmers and they resolved to raise their voice against the administration.
