Haryana Farmers Unite in Jind, Vow to Fight Government Policies
Farmer organizations held a significant state-level mahapanchayat at Jat Dharamshala in Haryana's Jind district on Thursday. The gathering brought together key unions, including the Bharatiya Kisan Union, various labor and trade unions, and groups affiliated with the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha. Participants made a firm commitment to escalate their opposition to what they termed the Centre's "anti-farmer and anti-worker" policies.
Rejection of Key Bills and Smart Meters
The mahapanchayat saw strong resolutions against several government initiatives. Unions declared they would not permit the installation of smart meters in villages. They also vowed to oppose proposed amendments to electricity, seed, and labor laws. Akhil Bhartiya Kisan Sabha vice-president Inderjit Singh stated that farmers had resolved to fight the Electricity Amendment Bill and the Seed Amendment Bill. He highlighted opposition to the four anti-worker labor codes, the abolition of MGNREGA, and other pro-corporate policies of the Narendra Modi-led NDA government and the BJP-led state government.
Singh reported that a large number of attendees expressed clear anger over these reforms, rejecting them outright. All-India general secretary of the Electricity Employees Federation of India, Sudeep Dutta, explained that the pending Electricity Amendment Bill would facilitate power privatization and the rollout of prepaid smart meters. He argued this move would harm both farmers and the general public.
Allegations and Planned Protests
BKU state president Joginder Nain accused the government of introducing new bills to harass farmers. He announced a decisive stance: no smart meters would be allowed in Haryana. The mahapanchayat planned to launch protests against this scheme. Nain emphasized that the four labor codes did not favor workers and undermined their rights. In response, a chakka jam (road blockade) protest is scheduled for February 12 to support workers' rights, with farmers' and workers' organizations joining forces.
Leaders from various unions condemned the Centre and state governments for replacing MGNREGA with VB G Ram G. They alleged this action stripped away the right to work. The mahapanchayat also resolved to ensure the success of the All India strike on February 16. This strike call comes from central trade unions and has the backing of the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha.
Call for Broader Support
The gathering appealed to other segments of society to support the upcoming strike. They specifically urged women, students, and youth to join the movement. This collective action aims to amplify voices against the contested policies and demonstrate widespread discontent.
