Farmers toughened their stance as talks dragged on

Chandigarh: As the fourth round of talks with the Center began in Chandigarh, farmer unions on Sunday toughened their stand, with Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), an umbrella body of the unions, planning to take the protest to the doorstep of BJP leaders. Called for.

Protesting farmers in Punjab will surround the residences of BJP leaders for three days from Tuesday. Also, tolls across the state will be ‘liberated’ to allow free movement of vehicles.

Farmer leaders warned that the protests will continue even if the model code of conduct is implemented for the Lok Sabha elections, reiterating that farmers will not accept anything less than the C2 (comprehensive cost of production) and 50% formula of minimum support price. Recommended in the Swaminathan Commission report.
SKM announced its decision after its meeting in Ludhiana on Sunday. SKM leader Balbir Singh Rajewal said farmers will protest in front of the residences of Punjab BJP leaders, including MPs and MLAs, from Tuesday to Thursday.

He said toll barriers would also be deactivated during February 20-22 to make the route free for commuters.
Rajewal said that SKM will hold a meeting in Delhi on February 22 to prepare the future strategy.
Meanwhile, farmers unions of Haryana have also become active after the meeting with Khaps in Kurukshetra on Sunday.
Haryana BKU (Chaduni) President Gurnam Singh Chaduni said that they will announce their action plan on Monday if the fourth round of talks fails.