Daijiworld Media Network - Shivamogga (MS)

Shivamogga, Mar 21: Farmer activist Rajesh Tikait, who has been leading the protest against the controversial farm laws on Delhi borders, on Saturday March 20 alleged that the union government was trying to fool the farmers and hatching conspiracy to grab their resources of milk, farm seeds, electricity and land. He also called upon farmers to emulate the protests on Delhi borders and surround Bengaluru.

Speaking at the Mahapanchayat of farmers that took place in the city, Tikait said, "Today business is being done on the hunger of poor people of the country. Capitalists of the country are trying to store the roti and rice of farmers in their cupboards. We should not give opportunity for this. Farmers have to intensify their fight.

"We must put efforts into bringing youth into agriculture. They should know the value of our soil. They should accompany the farmers' protest by holding the soil of their land in their hands. Huge corporates will take farming land for lease and do agriculture. They also offer loans on Kisan credit cards. If the farmers are unable to pay back their loans due to loss of crop or no market, they grab their farming land. A time will come when the farmer will have to work like a slave in his own farming land. We are protesting against this.

"Today farmers are protesting on all borders of Delhi. This is a long battle. You should also gherao Bengaluru, like Delhi, from all the four directions and take the battle forward. Raitha Sangha and Dalit Sangharsha Samiti should take this fight forward in Karnataka," he told the farmers.

"The government is following dual policies. It is withdrawing pension facilities of government servants and giving more benefits to MPs and MLAs. It is also conducting atrocities on the police department. Government is not the authority to set prices for the produce of farmers. It has to be done by the farmer themselves. Let us fight for that day. When the two slogans 'Jai Ram' and 'Jai Bheem' are shouted together, victory will be ours. For this to happen all labourers should unite.

"The government should think what will happen if the youth, who are urging to take back the draconian farm laws, start agitation to take back the government itself. The government should wake up before the youth get frustrated. But this government is run by corporates. It is our duty to kick this government out," he said.