Farmers gear up for January 4 kisan mahapanchayat in Tohana

In preparation for the national-level kisan mahapanchayat scheduled for January 4 in Tohana, Fatehabad, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) Haryana has intensified its efforts to mobilise farmers. As part of this initiative, the Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU), an SKM member, held a meeting in Karnal, attended by office-bearers from three districts.

BKU state president Rattan Mann criticised the government for failing to address the farmers’ longstanding demands. He warned of “dire consequences” if the government continued to delay action.

Farmers at the meeting raised slogans against the government and dismissed its claims of procuring 24 crops at minimum support price (MSP) in Haryana. Mann accused the Chief Minister of misleading farmers.

“Instead of making false statements, the CM must secure a guarantee letter from the Union government for an MSP law,” Mann demanded.

He further alleged that the BJP government has consistently neglected farmers’ issues, forcing them into nationwide protests.

They also voiced concerns about the deteriorating health of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike for over a month to push for the fulfilment of farmers' demands.

Blaming the Central Government for its indifference, Mann said, “The government’s stubbornness has left leaders like Dallewal with no choice but to take extreme steps.”

Mann highlighted the significance of the January 4 kisan mahapanchayat in Tohana, describing it as a key demonstration of the farmers’ ongoing unity and strength. He urged farmers to turn out in large numbers to ensure its success.

“Tohana Kisan Mahapanchayat will feature prominent leaders such as BKU national spokesperson Rakesh Tikait, national general secretary Yudhvir Singh and several other leaders from across the country. A significant number of farmers from Punjab are also expected to join,” Mann said.

He announced that a joint Punjab-Haryana farmers’ meeting would also be held in Moga, Punjab, on January 9 to continue strategising for their demands.

Reiterating the farmers' primary demand for a legal guarantee on MSP, Mann emphasised that the movement would not back down regardless of the sacrifices required. He also accused the BJP government of formulating policies aimed at dismantling traditional grain markets, further endangering farmers’ livelihoods.