Leader of Opposition in Chhattisgarh State Assembly Dharamlal Kaushik has condemned the incident of cane charging on agitating farmers at Keskhal of Bastar division and termed the action insensitive act of Congress-led state government.
He said for several days, the farmers were agitating for paddy procurement at minimum support price but no one heard their voice. They were continuing with their agitation in democratic mode.
Kaushik said the indifferent state government by cane charging wants to instill a sense of terror among the farmers but they will continue to stand against the government raising their demand.
Backing the farmers’ lawful demands, the BJP leader said across the state, justice will be sought and voice will continued to be raised. He added that had the demands of agitating farmers at Keshkal resolved on time, such a situation could have been avoided. State government sat over the issue as the agitations spread to other areas like Bijapur, Dantewada, Jagdalpur, Kondagaon and Keshkal. Now, February 20 being the last day of procurement, there would be extra-rush and centres do not have required requisite of gunny bags. This will lead to procurement of paddy lesser than the set target.
Kaushik demanded compensation for those injured in incident and extending free health services to them. All the demands of agitating farmers should also be fulfilled. He alleged that the situation is from Konta to Kota and from Mainpur to Mainpat, is volatile.
Leader of Opposition Dharamlal Kaushik said that BJP has constituted a five- member committee to probe the incident. The team has already left for Keshkal from state BJP headquarters, Kushabhau Thakre premises. The five members are former ministers Kedar Kashyap, Lata Usendi, former MLA Sevak Ram Netam, BJP Kisan Morcha state president Poonam Chandrakar and its former state president Sandeep Sharma.
Kaushik added that based on the report for protecting rights of farmers’ concrete steps will be taken. The whole issue will be raised in the state assembly.