New Delhi: Undeterred by an ongoing cold wave, farmers continue to camp at different borders of the national capital as their protest against the Central government’s farm laws entered the twelfth day on Monday. Farmers have called for the Bharat Bandh on 8 December and as of right now the opposition parties, including People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), Communist Party of India (Marxist), Communist Party of India, DMK, RJD, SP, NCP, and Congress party, have extended their support to the farmers.
What is Bharat Bandh?
Bharat Bandh is like a warning call to the centre by the farmers who consider their demands “non-negotiable”. It is a nationwide strike call in protest against three agricultural laws or Bills passed by the Centre. Thousands of farmers, mostly from Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, are protesting at various border points of Delhi against the new farm laws.
What will be the duration of this Bandh?
The Bharat Bandh will be from 11 am to 3 pm. We will begin at 11 am so everyone can reach office on time, Services such as ambulance, even weddings, can go on ” Bharatiya Kisan Union Spokesperson Rakesh Tikait said.
It is a symbolic protest to register our opposition. It is to show that we don’t support some of the policies of the government, Tikait further added
Centre issues advisory; asks states to tighten security, ensure peace
The Centre has asked all states and Union Territories to tighten security during Tuesday’s ‘Bharat Bandh’ called by the farmers unions and supported by opposition parties, while asserting that peace and tranquillity must be maintained on that day, officials said.
In a countrywide advisory, the Union Home Ministry also said the state governments and UT administrations must ensure that the COVID-19 guidelines issued with regard to health and social distancing are strictly followed.
Traffic advisory:
Delhi Traffic Police has appealed protestors not to disrupt the life of common citizens. Delhi Police has issued a traffic advisory for smooth movement of vehicles
- “Tikri, Jharoda Borders are closed for any Traffic Movement. Badusarai Border is open only for Light Motor Vehicle like Cars and two-wheelers. Jhatikara Border is open only for two-wheeler traffic.
“Available Open Borders to Haryana are following Borders. Dhansa, Daurala, Kapashera, Rajokri NH 8, Bijwasan/Bajghera, Palam Vihar and Dundahera Borders. - “Tikri, Jharoda Borders are closed for any Traffic Movement. Badusarai Border is open only for Light Motor Vehicle like Cars and two wheelers. @dtptraffic @DelhiPolice.”
CAIT doesn’t support Bharat Bandh
Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has stated that India’s traders & transporters are not participating in Bharat bandh tomorrow. We have full faith in the ongoing dialogue process, said CAIT Secretary-General Praveen Khandelwal
.@CAITIndia & @aitwaho have stated that India’s traders & transporters are not participating in #BharatBandh tomorrow.We sincerely hope for the best for farmers as they are an integral part of economy,we have full faith in the ongoing dialogue process. Shri @praveendel explains?? pic.twitter.com/tX2mtClxFU
— Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) (@CAITIndia) December 7, 2020
TRS to support Bharat bandh
Opposing the new farm laws, the TRS leader, who is the daughter of Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, said that the minimum support price (MSP) has not been assured in the legislation. She claimed that farmer is insecure because if mandi structure is dismantled there is no alternative structure in this country.
Congress decides to support Bharat bandh
Speaking at a press conference, party spokesperson Pawan Khera said, “Congress party has decided to support the Bharat bandh on December 8. We will be demonstrating the same at our party offices. It will be a step towards strengthening Rahul Gandhi’s support to the farmers. We will ensure that the demonstration is successful.”
AAP to support Bharat Bandh
Delhi Minister Gopal Rai on Sunday announced that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has decided to support the farmers-led Bharat Bandh slated to take place on December 8. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has urged his party officials and workers to support the bandh.
“Aam Aadmi Party’s convenor and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal Ji has urged party officials and workers to support farmers-led Bharat Bandh on December 8. Ours is an agrarian country, I would also urge the people to show their support as well,” Gopal Rai tweeted.
