Farmers continued their protest in Madhya Pradesh’s capital Bhopal on Wednesday, July 29. The Kisan Kranti Padyatra reached the city and protesters planned a march towards the Chief Minister’s residence. The farmers demanded complete moong procurement and improvement in fertiliser distribution. Earlier, the movement continued for 25 days at district headquarters.
However, farmers claimed the administration and government ignored their concerns. Therefore, they decided to move towards the Chief Minister’s residence. Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Edal Singh Kansana held talks with farmers late Tuesday night. However, the meeting failed to reach any conclusion. Consequently, farmers continued their overnight protest and said they would not leave until authorities accept all demands.
Young Gen-Z Farmers Take Charge Of Protest
According to farmers, they arrived from Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s area. However, they also expressed anger towards him. Farmers claimed the Centre and state governments blame each other while farmers continue suffering. Furthermore, they alleged that authorities encouraged moong cultivation earlier but now refuse to purchase the crop.
They claimed farmers are facing losses of ₹10,000 to ₹12,000 per acre. Therefore, they said they were forced to begin the protest. The farmers also highlighted the changing nature of their movement. They said young Gen-Z farmers now lead the protest instead of traditional farmer groups. Additionally, they claimed the government saw youth power during protests in Delhi. They warned that they could show similar strength in Bhopal if required.
Farmers Reached Bhopal After 25-Day District Agitation
Before arriving in Bhopal, farmers protested for 25 days at district headquarters. They alleged local officials and ministers did not seriously address their concerns. Most protesters came from Narmadapuram and nearby 12 districts. Many farmers belong to areas located around the Narmada River. The farmers are demanding eight changes from the government. However, representatives from 13 organisations highlighted two major demands. First, they want 100 percent procurement of moong crops. Second, they demand removal of the token system for fertiliser distribution.
Road Protest Causes Traffic Changes Across Bhopal
The farmer movement also affected normal activities in Bhopal. Several schools announced holidays due to the protest. Around 500 farmers crossed police barricades near district borders and reached Bhopal from Narmadapuram. They sat on roads late Tuesday night. Their representatives met Agriculture Minister Edal Singh Kansana to discuss demands.
However, farmers said the government did not accept their requests. Therefore, they sat near the final police barrier on Hoshangabad Road. They declared that they would not leave until authorities fulfil their demands. Meanwhile, administration officials deployed heavy police forces at the location. Farmers also arranged their dinner on the roadside. They prepared dal-baati using fire and made roasted tomato and chilli bharta. The protesters said they could arrange supplies for a month if needed.
Traffic Advisory Issued During Farmers’ Movement
Authorities issued traffic changes because of the ongoing farmer protest. Vehicles coming from Narmadapuram Road can use the 11 Mile Bypass route. They can travel through Khajuri Kala SOS Road and Piplani. Residents living between Misrod village and Bhopal University can use Bawadiya Kala Bridge. They can travel towards Kolar and the 10 Number area.
People travelling from MP Nagar towards Narmadapuram Road can use Govindpura, Piplani, Patel Nagar or Khajuri Kala routes. Vehicles heading towards AIIMS can use Katra Hills, Bagsewania and the route below RLL Bridge.
