BJP ally Beniwal joins farmers protest in Rajasthan

Farmers in Rajasthan blocked highways at several places on Saturday to protest against Centre's new agri laws, with BJP-ally Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) MP Hanuman Beniwal joining one such demonstration.

Terming new farm laws as "anti-farmer", Beniwal, conver of RLP, said if Prime Minister Narendra Modi is equally concerned about farmers, he should implement recommendations of Swaminathan Commission.

Beniwal along with his supporters also anunced that y would move towards Rajasthan-Delhi border to protest against new farm laws.

dressing a 'Kisan Mahapanchayat' organized at Kotputli, Beniwal said before bringing farm laws, Centre did t hold discussions with stakeholders.  "When all three bills were brought, y did t talk to anyone. We are also a part of NDA. We are also sons of farmers. y should have talked to us. y should have told us that y are bringing such a bill for farmers. I do t kw who drafted bills... y were brought and passed," Beniwal said.  He ded, "If prime minister is equally worried about farmers, n he should implement recommendations of Swaminathan Commission report." Beniwal said "se three bills are anti-farmer and government should enact a new law to benefit farmers.   If government is t in a position to implement recommendations of Swaminathan Commission, n it should guarantee minimum support price (MSP).  Farmers held demonstrations in several districts of state, including Kota, Ganganagar, Bharatpur, Hanumangarh and Alwar.

At many places, toll plazas on highways were also closed and vehicles were allowed to pass free.  Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot appealed to people to maintain peace while holding agitations.

"Even on Delhi-Jaipur highway, farmers should place ir demands democratically in front of Centre and maintain peace," Gehlot tweeted.

Former Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot said BJP-led government at Centre should abandon its amant attitude and fulfil demands of farmers soon.

Pilot tweeted, "Our Annata have been struggling on streets for last 17 days away from ir family and home against central government's autocracy to protect ir rights in Corona crisis and harsh winter. BJP government should abandon amant attitude and fulfil demands of farmers soon." Meanwhile, BJP state president Satish Poonia said three agri laws passed by Modi government are in interest of farmers.

He said agri laws will open way for progress of farmers and BJP is conducting a public awareness campaign by talking to farmers all over country.

Im Credits: Hanuman Beniwal Facebook