EC Colluded With Modi to Stop Us Contesting, Say Turmeric Farmers

Only 25 out of 54 farmers could file nominations in Varanasi, out of which only 1 was accepted on the last date.

Turmeric farmers of Varanasi.

(Photo: The Quint)

Video Editor: Vishal Kumar

Farmers from Tamil Nadu and Telangana held an hour-long dharna on the streets of Varanasi after their nominations were rejected by the Election Commission of India. They accused the ECI of colluding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Angry with Modi government, farmers of these states reached Varanasi to express frustration. Only 25 out of 54 farmers could file nominations, out of which only 1 was accepted on the last date.

They claim that they were stopped by the police from entering the collectorate to file the nomination and had to stand in line for hours. The bank had allegedly refused to give them challans, and they claim that the office opened an hour late too. And so, only 25 farmers could complete the formalities.

The turmeric farmers said they will file a complaint to the Chief Election Commissioner. They demand an increase in MSP of turmeric and formation of a turmeric board.