More than 100 farmers from Tamil Nadu converged at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi to express their grievances against the Central government, focusing on issues related to crop prices and the interlinking of rivers. The protest, which began on Tuesday, continued into its second day, with protestors displaying the skulls and bones of farmers who had allegedly died by suicide. According to reports from ANI, the demonstration intensified as Tamil Nadu farmers climbed atop a mobile tower at Jantar Mantar, emphasizing the urgency of their demands. Police intervened, deploying a fire brigade crane to safely bring down one of the protesting farmers from the tower.
Demands of the Protestors
A farmer speaking to the Press Trust of India (PTI) outlined the protestors’ demands, which include fair crop prices, a pension of Rs 5,000 for farmers, individual insurance, and the interlinking of rivers across India. The delegation, consisting of 100 representatives from Tamil Nadu, issued a stern ultimatum, threatening to contest against PM Modi in the Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency if their demands are not addressed. Ayyakannu, a prominent leader among the protestors, emphasized that their grievances are not driven by political motives but rather seek the Prime Minister’s intervention for resolution.
Ayyakannu’s Leadership
Ayyakannu, the leader of Desiya Thenidhiya Nathigal Inaippu Vivasayigal Sangam, led the 2017 Tamil Nadu farmers’ protest in New Delhi, advocating for the waiver of agricultural loans in cooperative banks. Formerly associated with the RSS-linked Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, Ayyakannu later established his own farmers’ collective.
Ongoing Agitation
Meanwhile, farmers staged a rail roko on the sixth day of protest in Ludhiana, demanding the release of three farmers arrested by Haryana police. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have consistently organized protests on railway tracks in Shambhu, amplifying their call for action.
