A significant protest unfolded in Sikar on Tuesday, as thousands of farmers, led by Marxist Communist Party MP Amraram, marched to the Collectorate to press for various demands, while the demonstration escalated into a tense confrontation when the MP and his supporters attempted to breach the Collectorate premises. This led to a direct scuffle between the police and the protesters. During the altercation, MP Amraram has been accused of shoving female police officers, further intensifying the gravity of the incident.
Tense Situation at the Collectorate
As the rally, organized to highlight farmers' issues, reached the Collectorate, protesters tried to force their way through the main gate. Police forces, including female officers, attempted to block their entry. It was during this confrontation that a direct physical altercation occurred between MP Amraram and the police personnel. The situation became so tense that the police had to exert considerable effort to contain the protesters. Following the incident, the demonstrators staged a sit-in protest outside the Collectorate, causing traffic disruptions in the area and necessitating diversions by the police. This event underscores the growing friction between local administration and the farming community.
Questions on Law and Order
Prior to the protest, a public meeting was held at the Krishi Upaj Mandi on Jaipur Road, where MP Amraram sharply criticized the state government on the issue of law and order, while he asserted that no one has the right to take the law into their own hands, yet alleged that BJP and RSS 'goons' were consistently creating an atmosphere of terror. The MP cited a recent incident where a youth, returning after purchasing camels from Pushkar, was allegedly stripped and beaten by BJP and RSS 'goons' in Behror. He further claimed that the police registered a case against the victim instead of the perpetrators, highlighting a severe failure in maintaining law and order. This statement brings to light the political and social tensions prevalent in the state.
Water Scarcity and Government Indifference
During the assembly, MP Amraram also strongly criticized the state government regarding the persistent water scarcity. He stated that the BJP government had worked to dismantle the Sikar division and Neemkathana district, which has negatively impacted the development of these regions, while he pointed out that despite the state government being in power for two years, the 8,000 crore rupees Jal Jeevan Yojana remains stalled, showing no concrete progress. The MP alleged that the government has not allocated a single penny for Sikar and Jhunjhunu in the past two years, even though the Chief Minister has visited Sikar district nine times and stayed a day each in all three districts of Shekhawati. He sarcastically remarked that the Chief Minister only wishes to provide water through discussions, implying a lack of tangible action on the ground.
Crop Damage and Compensation Issues
MP Amraram expressed deep concern over the government's failure to provide adequate compensation to farmers for the extensive crop damage suffered in the Shekhawati region during the monsoon season. He highlighted that 50% to 60% of crops were destroyed in Sikar district, yet the government was only acknowledging a three percent crop loss and proposing compensation based on that figure, which he deemed unjust to the farmers, while he emphasized that the government should have accurately assessed the farmers' losses and provided fair compensation, but this has not been done. This issue remains a major source of discontent among the farming community.
Opposition to Smart Meters and Electricity Privatization
MP Amraram also vehemently opposed the forced installation of smart meters in homes, fields, and shops, calling it an additional burden on the public. He demanded that this scheme be cancelled. On top of that, he called for a halt to the privatization of electricity, arguing that privatization would. Lead to increased electricity tariffs and place a greater financial burden on the common people. He also alleged that farmers demanding fertilizers were being subjected to lathi-charges, which he stated reflects the government's anti-farmer stance. These issues directly impact the interests of the general public and farmers.
Key Demands of the MP
MP Amraram put forth several crucial demands before the Rajasthan government, while he called for full compensation for crop damage, complete waiver of farmers' loans, proper provision of drinking water in all villages and towns of Sikar district, and the state government to deposit its half share (4,000 crore rupees) in the Jal Jeevan Mission scheme. Also, he demanded the cancellation of the smart meter scheme, a ban on electricity privatization, recruitment for vacant posts in all departments, creation of new employment opportunities to eradicate unemployment, control over inflation, and a reduction in taxes on petrol and diesel. He also strongly advocated for an end to atrocities against Dalits, minorities, and women, which he deemed essential for ensuring the safety of vulnerable sections of society. The protest was organized with the aim of drawing the. Government's attention to these serious issues and pressing for their resolution.
