Agitating farmers unions have called for a “Bharat Bandh” today to pressure the Center to repeal three new agricultural laws. Agricultural unions are observing “Bharat Bandh” a day before another round of talks between protesters and the Center on new laws.
Here is everything you need to know about ‘Bharat Bandh’:
Protesters stop trains in many states
Members of the Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatna stopped the Chennai-Ahmedabad Navjeevan Express at Malkapur station in Buldhana district while protesting against agricultural laws. Police detained Sanghatana leader Ravikant Tupkar and his supporters over the incident after pulling them off the train tracks, an official said. The Agricultural Products Market Committees (APMC) in Navi Mumbai, Nashik, Dhule, Pune and Solapur are closed during the bandh.
Bharat Bandh Live Updates: Full Coverage
In West Bengal, left-wing political parties protested on the train tracks at Calcutta’s Jadabpur train station and stopped a train, in support of today’s Bharat Bandh.
Similarly, in Odisha, public transport services were affected as protesters picketed train stations and bus stops in Bhubaneswar, Rourkela, Rayagada and various other locations.
There is no net on stage
The agricultural unions have said their agitation is apolitical and no leaders will be allowed on stage during the protests. The farmers union has urged the protesters not to force anyone to join the Bharat Bandh convocation.
19 political parties express their support for bandh
So far 19 political parties have come out in support of the so-called “Bharat Bandh” of the agricultural unions. They are: Congress, NCP, SAD, TRS, YSRCP, SP, BSP, Shiv Sena, AAP, People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), Communist Party of India (Marxist), Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist), Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP), Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Rashtriya Janata dal (RJD), The entire advancement block of India (AIFB) and Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) directed by Kamal Haasan.
Cracks in opposition unity, Mamata does not support bandh
Cracks have emerged within the ranks of the opposition when the Trinamool Congress (TMC) said on Monday that it will not support the ‘Bharat Bandh’ and called on its workers to stay away.
The TMC has been at the forefront in opposing farm laws in Parliament. He has also lent his support to the farmers’ protests, but has decided not to accept Bharat Bandh’s call on Tuesday.
Saugata party deputy Roy said on Monday: “TMC stands in solidarity with farmers, but will not support Bharat Bandh in West Bengal as it goes against our principles.”
‘Chakka jam’ (road blockade) only until 3pm
“The bandh will be observed throughout the day, but the ‘chakka jam’ (road blockade) will be active until 3 pm,” said Darshan Pal, president of the Punjab unit of the Krantikari Kisan Union.
“Our bandh is different from that of political parties. It is a symbolic four-hour bandh for an ideological cause. We want there to be no problem for ordinary people. We ask them not to travel during this period,” said the farmer. Leader Rakesh Tikait said. “We also urge merchants to close their stores during this period,” he said.
The center issues advice to states
Following the call for bandh and protests, the Center has called on all states and UT to reinforce security, stating that peace and quiet must be maintained. The Union Ministry of the Interior called on all state governments and UT administrations to ensure that the Covid-19 guidelines on health and social distancing are strictly followed.
Banking unions should not participate in bandh
Banking unions said they will not participate in Bharat Bandh on Tuesday, even as they expressed solidarity with farmers protesting against the new agricultural laws.
Confederation of All Banking Officials of India (AIBOC) General Secretary Soumya Datta said the union has expressed solidarity with the farmers, but will not participate in the Bharat Bandh convened by them.
Similarly, the general secretary of the Association of Bank Employees of India (AIBEA), CH Venkatachalam, said that union members would wear black badges while on duty, hold protests before or after working hours and display posters in front of bank branches to support the cause of the country’s farmers, but banking operations will not be affected.
Necessary reforms for vikas: PM Modi
Prime Minister Modi said on Monday that development reforms are needed and that some laws from the last century have become a burden now. He said this when inaugurating the construction of the Agra subway railway project by videoconference.
“The reforms are very necessary for a new order and to provide new facilities. We cannot build the next century with the laws of the previous century, ”he said.
“Reforms must be an ongoing process,” the prime minister said, adding that his government is carrying out “holistic reforms.” “Previously, reforms used to occur in a piecemeal fashion, or taking into account some sectors and departments,” said the prime minister.
Congressional Position on Opportunistic Farm Laws: BJP
On Monday, the BJP attacked Congress and other opposition parties for protesting against the new farm laws, saying their actions were opportunistic and fueled by growing desperation over the loss of elections. Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said Congress’s “double standards” were exposed, as the party’s 2019 manifesto had clearly promised to amend the Agricultural Products Market Committee (APMC) law.
“The opposition parties have taken to the issue, but during the UPA government, they did exactly what the Modi government is doing today for reforms in the agricultural sector. Now that they are losing elections, they participate in any protest for the sake of their existence, “he said.
‘Pro-corporate’ farm laws must be repealed: Rahul Gandhi
The day before the ‘Bharat Bandh’, Congress upped the ante by calling the agricultural laws “Adani-Ambani law” and party officials organized a dharna demanding that the winter session of Parliament be convened to debate the issue.
Echoing the farmers ‘demand, Rahul Gandhi tweeted: “The’Adani-Ambani agricultural laws must be repealed. Nothing less is acceptable. “He also announced Congressional support for the nationwide farmer bandh call. Congressional spokesman and head of the Punjab unit, Sunil Jakhar, said the Modi government would be responsible for” any inconvenience. “caused to the public by the bandh.” The government should not become a lobbyist for corporations. The corporatization of agriculture is not acceptable. Please do not follow the United States, “he said at a press conference.
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