Police Halt Farmers’ Rally in Ongole

Quick Summary

• The ‘Quit Corporate – Quit Agriculture’ programme, organized by samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) and United Front of trade Unions, was stopped by police at Mini Stadium in Ongole on Wednesday.
• The rally aimed to highlight grievances over corporate involvement in agriculture and broader farmers’ issues.
• Police cited Section 30 of the Police Act in the district and stated prior permission for such a rally was required. Officers warned that protestors would face arrest if rules were violated.
• SKM leaders accused authorities of suppressing democratic protests while permitting ruling party activities despite the same restrictions being in place.
• SKM Prakasam District Convener Chunduru Ranga Rao criticized the police action as undemocratic.
• A.P. Rythu Sangam leader Pamidi Venkata Rao raised questions about farmers’ loan waivers and alleged favoritism towards corporates, citing high-value loan write-offs and land sales to corporates under subsidized terms.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The incident underscores tensions between grassroots organizations advocating for farmers’ rights and local authorities aiming to enforce law-and-order measures. While invoking Section 30 of the Police Act provides grounds for regulation, denying protests altogether could raise concerns about freedom of expression within a democratic framework. The allegations regarding unequal enforcement-allowing ruling party events-fuel perceptions of bias among stakeholders.

Furthermore, unresolved issues such as farmers’ debt relief remain points of contention. Assertions about corporate favoritism resonate with longstanding debates on government priorities amidst agrarian distress. Such actions may influence public discourse around agricultural policies leading to increased demands for fairer treatment of India’s farming community.For more details: Read more