Congress President Rahul Gandhi and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal shared the stage at the farmers’ rally in Delhi on Friday, 30 November, with both warning the Modi government about the consequences of not addressing the country's agrarian crisis.
“If you (the Modi government) can give Rs 30,000 crore to Ambani for aircraft, you’ll have to waive farm loans too,” Gandhi said during his speech at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
Other prominent Opposition leaders, including NCP Chief Sharad Pawar, CPI(M)'s Sitaram Yechury, LJD's Sharad Yadav and National Conference’s Farooq Abdullah, were also at the protest.
On Friday, the protesters marched from Ramlila Maidan, where they had taken refuge after day-long demonstrations, to the Parliament Street in the national capital.
The All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC), in collaboration with over 200 other farmers’ outfits, has organised the protest to push for the demands of the farmers, including debt relief and remunerative prices for their produce.
- Cutting across political lines, leaders join the protest to extend their support to the farmers
- Hundreds of farmers reach Jantar Mantar on the Parliament Street on the second day of the Kisan Mukti March
- Farmers are demanding the implementation of the MS Swaminathan Committee report, increased MSPs and a special Parliament session to discuss two bills
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Will Oust Modi Government in 2019: Farmers at Kisan Mukti Morcha
Watch: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal Addresses Farmers at Jantar Mantar
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal shares the stage with Congress President Rahul Gandhi and other political leaders at the farmers’ protest in Jantar Mantar on Friday, 30 November.
Addressing the farmers, Kejriwal says:
“PM Modi has stabbed farmers. The Swaminathan Committee report must be implemented, all outstanding farm loans should be waived and fair price should be provided for crops. Farmers are forced to come begging to the capital as they get low prices while selling crops. If the farmers get a fair price, they won’t come demanding a loan waiver.”
Telling the Modi government to go to Adani and Ambani for votes if they can’t look after the farmers, Kejriwal criticises the Fasal Bima Yojana.
The Delhi CM takes the opportunity to slam the Centre’s interference in Delhi and says:
“All the residents of Delhi are saying today that Modi is harmful for the city. Ask them and see. He (PM Modi) interferes in all matters pertaining to Delhi.”
Watch: Rahul Gandhi Joins Kisan Mukti Morcha at Jantar Mantar, Delhi
Congress President Rahul Gandhi joins the farmers’ protest at the Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, launching a scathing attack on the Modi government over the agrarian crisis.
Targeting the Centre for allegedly favouring industrialists, Gandhi says:
“They (the Modi government) have just waived the loans for the rich – only 15 select people… If you (the Modi government) can give Rs 30,000 crore to Ambani for aircraft, you’ll have to waive farm loans too.”
The farmers are not asking for a free gift, they’re asking for what is their due, the Congress president adds.
“Modi ji had promised that MSP will be increased, the PM promised a bonus. But look at the situation right now. Empty speeches are being given and nothing else.”Rahul Gandhi, Congress President
In the run-up to the 2019 general elections, Gandhi says that there are two major issues in the country – the farmers’ future and the availability of jobs for the youth.
With leaders from several political parties present at the protest, Gandhi says, “Although of different ideologies, all political parties are united for farmers.”
Loktantrik Janata Dal's Sharad Yadav Also Present
Loktantrik Janata Dal Chief Sharad Yadav joins other politicians in extending support to the farmers.
Other prominent leaders, including Farooq Abdullah and D Raja are present. Reports say Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is likely to address the gathering soon and Congresss President Rahul Gandhi will join the demonstration later in the day.
Gujarat MLA Jignesh Mewani and student activist Kanhaiya Kumar are also at Jantar Mantar.