Punjab farmers to make toll plazas free on October 17, stage protests outside AAP, BJP leaders' residences on Oct 18

PTC Web Desk: Punjab farmers have announced to make all toll plazas free on October 17, followed by sit-in protests outside the residences of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and BJP leaders on October 18. The primary targets include BJP leaders Arvind Khanna and Preneet Kaur, as well as AAP ministers and MLAs. The decision has been taken by the Bhartiya Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) in response to the improper procurement process of paddy crops. The protests are aimed at both the Central and Punjab governments.

Farmer leader Joginder Singh Ugrahan and general secretary Sukhdev Singh Kokri Kalan announced that the organisation's five-member state leadership team had made this decision. According to the plan, the protests and marches would continue uninterrupted, day and night. The farmers and labourers have various demands, primarily focusing on the seamless procurement of paddy at MSP (Minimum Support Price). They also have other demands that, they alleged, have not been taken seriously by the BJP-led Central Government and the AAP government in Punjab.

Farmer leaders have accused both the Central and Punjab governments of ignoring their legitimate demands. They oppose the pro-corporate open market policies under the World Trade Organisation (WTO). The leaders have urged farmers and labourers from all villages to come together to fight against what they describe as a dangerous attack by the Central and state governments. They have called on them to participate in the protests with full force.