Delhi Congress extends support to farmers’ stir

Anshita Mehra

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New Delhi, February 2

Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) president Arvinder Singh Lovely has pledged “unwavering” support to the protesting farmers from 19 villages, particularly Auchandi village.

The protesters have alleged that Adani Power is attempting to seize their farmlands for installing high-tension wires. Accusing the Centre and the Delhi Government for colluding with the Adani Power, Lovely criticised them of violating existing rules to favour the private power venture.

The ongoing farmers’ struggle was set to feature prominently on the agenda for the Farmers’ Convention that is scheduled to be organised on February 3 at Ramlila ground in Geeta Colony, announced Lovely.

He said the Congress would take to the streets (if necessary) and provide legal assistance to farmers, who are resisting the allegedly forceful takeover by the private group. He said that farmlands at Auchandi were being targeted for a private power project and not a government initiative.

He criticised the BJP and AAP for not supporting farmers and favouring corporate interests. Despite three months of protests, MLAs and MPs have not extended support to these farmers from Auchandi.

Senior leader of the Delhi Congress and ex-MLA Mukesh Sharma expressed concerns about the allegedly illegal use of JCB machinery to destroy crops without changing land use. He called for a judicial probe into the matter. Surender Kumar, former MLA who represented Auchandi, predicted that the Congress’ backing could escalate the protest.