National

Explained: Why RSS-Affiliate Bhartiya Kisan Sangh Is Protesting Against Modi Govt

RSS-affiliate Bhartiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) expects around 60,000 persons from across India will participate in its rally at Ramleela Grounds in Delhi.

Advertisement

Bhartiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) supporters carrying out a rally over farm issues
info_icon

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)-affiliate Bhartiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) is holding a farmers rally in Delhi's Ramleela Ground on Monday. 

The BKS is protesting against the current state of Indian farmers and is raising a slew of demands before the government. The BKS is calling it 'Kisan Garjana' rally.

A note issued by BKS said "the government will face trouble if it did not heed the farmers' demand in time".

Around 60,000 farmers from across India will converge at Ramleela Maidan for the rally, according to the BKS, adding that farmers are reaching the Ramleela Ground from across the country in buses, tractors and motorcycles to demand remunerative prices for their crops based on the input cost.

Advertisement

Considering such influx of people, the Delhi Traffic Police on Sunday issued an advisory and listed the roads the public should avoid and laid out the traffic diversion. 

What is Bharitya Kisan Sangh, why it's protesting?

The Bhartiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) is a farmers union affiliated with the RSS. It's not the first time that it has held a protest against the Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government. It had earlier come in opposition to the farm laws which were eventually repealed by the Modi government.

In the Monday's rally, the BKS will raise multiple issue, such as:

  • Removal of GST on agriculture inputs
  • Farmers financial aid to be increased
  • Rejection of genetically modified (GM) mustard seed
  • Profitable prices on farm produce

Advertisement

Additionally, the BKS has demanded an appropriate export policy.

"Agricultural input cost has risen substantially due to 18 per cent GST on agricultural equipment and fertilisers. Despite this, farmers do not get the price of crops he deserves. So it has become imperative that this GST should be removed and the Kisan Samman Rashi should be increased in accordance with inflation," said BKS general secretary Mohini Mohan Mishra in October, as per The Economic Times

Last week, BKS's executive committee member Nana Aakhre said that farmers are "very disappointed" today due to lack of returns to their farm produce, and are committing suicide due to it.

"In order to address the woes of the farmers, the BKS demands profitable prices on all the farm produce. Also, Goods and Services Tax (GST) should not be levied on the farm produce and the financial relief provided under the Kisan Samman Nidhi should be increased," said the statement, as per ET.

What's Delhi Traffic Police advisory?

Traffic movement is likely to be affected in parts of Central Delhi on Monday due to the BKS rally.

The diversion points are Maharaja Ranjeet Singh Marg, Mirdard Chowk, Minto Road, Ajmeri Gate, Chaman Lal Marg, Delhi Gate, JLN Marg, roundabout Kamala Market to Hamdard Chowk, Bhavbhuti Marg and Paharganj Chowk, according to the Delhi Traffic Police advisory.

Advertisement

The advisory says traffic restrictions, regulations, or diversion may be imposed on Ranjeet Singh flyover from Barakhamba Road to Guru Nanak Chowk, from Minto Road to roundabout Kamla Market, Vivekanand Marg, JLN Marg (Delhi Gate to Guru Nanak Chowk).

As commuters going to New Delhi, Old Delhi, and Nizamuddin Railway Stations and Inter State Bus Terminal (ISBT) could encounter delays, they should plan their travel accordingly, the advisory said. 

(With PTI inputs)

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement