Kerala Mahapadav: Thousands of Farmers, Workers March to Raj Bhavan, Sit on Dharna

Thousands of farmers and workers sat on dharna on Sunday at Raj Bhawan against the anti-worker, anti-farmer policies of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the Centre, as part of the call given by the coordination committee of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) and Central Trade Unions (CTUs). The first day of the three-day Mahapadav saw participation from 32 different farmers and trade unions. 

Inaugurating the Mahapadav, A Vijayaragavan, national president of the All India Agricultural Workers Union (AIAWU), accused the BJP-led Union government of bulldozing laws against the interest of the farmers and the workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“After the historic farmers' struggle in Delhi, the BJP government had to concede defeat. They have understood the fact that the farmers cannot be defeated with the support of the corporates. But they have not fulfilled the promises made during the talks held with the SKM. The massive three days of Mahadharnas in front of Raj Bhavans across the country from November 26, the same day when the farmers’ began their historic struggle, are to remind the BJP government of its failed promises”, he said.

On the continuous attacks on workers and farmers since 2014, Vijayaragavan called for strengthening unity forged through sustained struggles. “The continuation of this government beyond 2024 will not serve any good to the country. The Sangh Parivar organisations have managed to spread communal hatred among the common citizens and the BJP holding on to power is using this division among the society to reap profits for their corporate friends”, he said.

Presiding over the Mahadharna, K V George, national general secretary of the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), accused the BJP- led government of failing to address the concerns of different sections of the population. “From codification of labour laws, to bulldozing the three farm laws in Parliament, the BJP-led government has disrespected Parliament and democratic values”, he said.

M Vijayakumar, former minister and state president of All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), expressed concern over the undermining of the Constitution and the federal system. “November 26 is observed as Constitution Day. But, by enacting laws on subjects under the state subject, the BJP government is doing great disservice to the Constitution itself. They don't respect the plurality existing in the country and value the federal principles either”, he said.