Congress Ramps Up Preparations for Farmers' Rally in Bhopal
The Congress party has significantly escalated its preparations for a major farmers' rally, termed the 'Kisan Mahapanchayat', scheduled to take place in Bhopal on Tuesday. This event is being positioned by the opposition party as the official launch of a concerted campaign against the Indo-US trade deal, which has sparked widespread concern among agricultural communities.
High-Profile Leaders to Address the Rally
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, and Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge are slated to deliver speeches at the rally, which will be held at Atal Path in Jawahar Chowk. In a strategic move, hoardings featuring Gandhi and Kharge carrying ploughs on their shoulders have begun to appear near the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) headquarters in Shivaji Nagar, symbolizing their support for farmers.
Enhanced Security and Preparations at PCC Headquarters
In light of recent violence during a BJYM protest at the PCC headquarters on Saturday, security has been tightened significantly. Special Armed Force (SAF) jawans have been deployed to oversee the security of the building. Additionally, the exterior walls of the PCC are being painted, and there is a noticeable influx of Congress workers, particularly from the party's social media wing, who are actively involved in the preparations.
On Sunday, PCC chief Jitu Patwari released a video expressing gratitude to Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge for selecting Bhopal as the venue to kick off the campaign against the Indo-US trade deal. Later that day, Patwari visited Acharpura village on the outskirts of the city to engage with local farmers and personally invite them to the 'Kisan Mahapanchayat'.
Hectic Activities and Strategic Meetings
Unlike typical days at the PCC headquarters, which are often quiet, the premises are now bustling with activity. Congress workers, including those from the social media department, are working tirelessly. They were addressed by party leaders such as national spokesperson Supriya Srinet, who heads the social media wing, general secretary in-charge of MP affairs Harish Chaudhary, and Jitu Patwari.
In the evening, a crucial meeting was scheduled at the PCC headquarters, bringing together office-bearers, district presidents, and party MLAs. The primary agenda of this meeting was to devise a comprehensive strategy to ensure the 'Kisan Mahapanchayat' achieves grand success, drawing significant participation from farmers and supporters.
Venue Preparations and Anticipated Turnout
At the rally venue in Jawahar Chowk, preparations are in full swing, with chairs, tents, and other essential goods being offloaded throughout the evening. Interestingly, police personnel were observed inspecting the site more frequently than party workers, highlighting the heightened security measures in place.
When questioned about the expected turnout of farmers and representatives from farmers' organizations, a PCC office-bearer at the site remained optimistic but non-committal, stating, "You come on the day of the 'Mahapanchayat' and see for yourself." This response underscores the party's confidence in mobilizing a substantial crowd for the event, which aims to amplify voices against the Indo-US trade deal and advocate for farmers' interests.
