Bharat Bandh On September 25: Agitated Farmer Groups Call For Nationwide Shutdown Against The Agriculture Reform Bills

Over 250 farmer groups across the nation are reportedly coordinating for a joint agitation on September 25. The groups, with the support of All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee, have issued the clarion call of "Bharat Bandh” on September 25. They are also reportedly expected to receive support from labour unions who are aggrieved with the recent amendments made to the labour code. The nationwide shutdown will be aimed at pressuring the government to revoke the controversial Farm Bills. According to the protesters, the legislations will lead to dilution of the MSP (Minimum Support Price) regime & leave small scale farmers at the whims of big-ticket private players who are expected to enter the agriculture sector. Jai Kisan Andolan, All India Kisan Mazdoor Sabha, All India Kisan Sabha and Krantikari Kisan Union will support the bandh. The Bharatiya Kisan Union, affiliated to BJP's ideological parent RSS, will not support the agitation but has demanded the government to provide legal protection to MSP. MSP or minimum support price is guaranteed to farmers who sell their produce through the Agriculture Produce Market Committees (APMCs). With the Farm Bills cleared by the government, the farmers would be allowed to directly sell their crops to private purchasers. The government has attempted to dispel the apprehensions, claiming that neither the APMCs would be shut nor the MSP system be diluted.