New Delhi, (IANS): The Bhumi Adhikar Andolan (BAA) on Sunday condemned the central government for its “anti-farmer policies” and lynching of minorities and Dalits through mob violence.
As a part of series of demonstrations against the government, the BAA, an umbrella body of activists fighting for the rights of farmers, tribal and minorities, has planned to gherao NITI Aayog office on Monday.
Also, it would hold a rally, which would start at Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh on July 6 and end in Delhi on July 18, to press for various demands of farmers.
The demands include adequate remuneration to crop produce as per the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) 2014 Lok Sabha election manifesto and farm loan-waiver.
Addressing a press conference here, Hannan Mollah of All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) said “the Modi government was destroying farmers and the farm sector to benefit corporates”.
“We condemn the ‘Modani Model’ of development, which is Modi plus Adani. It is leading to loot of farmers. We want the BJP to fulfil its promise of 50 per cent profit above the production cost,” Mollah said.
“There will be nationwide protests on July 7 against lynching of minorities and Dalits,” Mollah added.
According to the BAA, 23 people have been lynched in 19 incidents during the Modi government’s tenure.
Taking a dig at Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh for calling farmers’ protests “politically motivated”, Mollah said: “If the minister has one per cent of honesty left, he should blame his government for the pathetic condition of farmers.”
Ashok Choudhary of National Forum for Forest People and Forest Workers (NFFPFW) called Singh as “minister only in name”.
“How many times he has spoken on ongoing farmers issues? He repeats what the PMO (Prime Minister’s Office) says,” Choudhary said.
The BAA is planning to hold protests against forceful eviction of people affected by the Sardar Sarovar Dam on Narmada river and forceful acquisition of tribal land in Jharkhand.
Mollah also said the AIKS would demand lifting of ban on cattle trade and pension to farmers.