- Protesters handed a memo to a dog
Chhindwara: Thousands of farmers converged on Jail Baghicha ground for a historic “Save the Farmer” rally, where former MP Nakul Nath launched a scathing attack on the BJP government, vowing to fight for the rights of farmers, tribals, and youth.
The rally, which began with chants of “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” and “Inquilab Zindabad,” marked a powerful show of dissent against the ruling party. Paying tribute to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his birth anniversary, Nakul Nath accused the BJP government of neglecting farmers, stating that they are being met with police batons and FIRs instead of fertilizer.
Key accusations
Nakul Nath highlighted what he called the government’s broken promises:
* Loan Waiver: He reminded the crowd that the 15-month Congress government had waived loans for 2.7 million farmers, including over 75,000 in Chhindwara alone.
* Vote Theft: He accused the BJP of “stealing votes” to come to power, alleging that the Election Commission is acting as a BJP front.
* Corruption: He claimed BJP members are involved in the black-marketing of fertilizer and that tribal lands are being sold to the mafia.
* Broken Promises: He criticized the government for failing to deliver on its promises, such as providing Rs 3,000 to “Ladli Bahnas” and Rs 450 gas cylinder.
Leaders echo the statement
Other prominent Congress leaders echoed Nakul Nath’s message. State President Jitu Patwari claimed, “The farmer is weeping in the field, and the Chief Minister is sleeping in Bhopal.” Leader of the Opposition Umang Singhar accused the BJP of stealing 1.6 million votes. Former minister Vijaylakshmi Sadho said while Rajiv Gandhi gave a vision for the 21st century, the BJP has made the state number one in crime and atrocities.
The rally concluded with a strong message of solidarity and a promise of continued protest against the government’s policies.
Memo submitted to a dog
The protest took a bizarre and highly symbolic turn when Congress leaders were denied an audience by the Chhindwara Collector. After the Collector refused to accept their memorandum, the infuriated Congress workers submitted the document to a dog instead. The act was a visceral and public condemnation of the administrative official.
