Gandhinagar: A large number of farmers from across Gujarat participated in a tractor rally on SP Ring Road in Ahmedabad on Monday, protesting the state government's decision to acquire their land for installing electric poles and pressing for other demands. The Kisan Adhikar Yatra was organized by the state unit of the Congress party and supported by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
Rally Details
A large convoy of tractors moved from Shantipura Crossroads to Ognaj Circle on the SP Ring Road, where a public meeting was later held. Sources indicated a dispute among participating farmers, as many wanted to proceed to Gandhinagar to register their protest despite police not granting permission for the rally in the state capital. Traffic around the Ognaj toll plaza was briefly disrupted before police reopened the stretch for commuters.
Farmer Demands
Congress MLA Tushar Chaudhary stated that farmers have multiple demands, including debt waiver, full support price payment, and stopping private power companies from indiscriminately installing electricity poles in their fields without consent and proper compensation.
Gujarat Congress president Amit Chavda claimed that farmers in the state face the worst conditions and highest exploitation. He alleged, "BJP leaders used to promise that farmers' incomes would be doubled. Today, electric poles belonging to companies are forcibly erected in farmers' fields. When farmers demand compensation or reimbursement for crop damage, they are beaten by police."
Political Support
The GPCC president said that despite repeated agitations, the government remains indifferent. "That is why the Gujarat Congress Kisan Cell, along with various farmers' unions, organized the rally. The Congress party will continue to fight for farmers' issues," he said.
AAP leaders also joined the rally. Party president Isudan Gadhvi said, "We stand with farmers in the fight for their rights. This is a farmers' rally, not a political one. This is a fight for farmers' rights, which is why we will participate with full strength."
