Farmer unions have announced Bharat Bandh on Tuesday (December 8) as the protest against the new farm laws continues. The ongoing protest, outside Delhi, has surely affected the lives of local commuters and the woes might intensify due to Bharat Bandh. So it’s better to be aware and thus here’s everything you need to know about Bharat bandh.
Bharat Bandh Timing
The Bharat bandh, called by the farmers against the farm laws, will begin at 11 am and continue till 3 pm on Tuesday, a spokesperson of the Bharatiya Kisan Union said on Monday.
“We don’t want to cause problems for a common man. Therefore, we will begin at 11am, so that they could leave for office on time. Work hours in offices will end by 3pm,” BKU’s Rakesh Tikait was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
Toll Plazas to be Occupied
During the Bharat bandh, the farmers have said that they would occupy toll plazas besides blocking highways and burning PM’s effigies on December 8.
Also Read: List Of Celebrities Who Have Shown Their Support For Farmers Protest
“In our meeting today, we have decided to give a ‘Bharat Bandh’ call on December 8 during which we will also occupy all toll plazas,” PTI reported on December 4, quoting a farmer leader named Harvinder Singh Lakhwal.
Traffic Alert
The main woes are being faced by office-goers, goods trucks who have to face long traffic jams as the traffic is being diverted due to the closure of several highways.
Delhi Police recently took on Twitter to alert people of routes they can take to make their commute easier while the protest goes on.
Opposition Support
The opposition is surely supporting the protest, which the right-wing calls an opposition agenda to de-popularise BJP and cash on the opportunity to extend their support among farmers.
Congress, that in its 2019 election manifesto has promised to implement exactly the same laws if they come in power, is now calling people to join Bharat bandh adding that they are ‘black laws’.
Shiv Sena party has also joined hands with protestors to support the Bharat Bandh call on December 8.
Recently, Akhilesh Yadav was detained by the UP police after he led a brief sit-in protest in Lucknow alleging that the UP government has house-arrested him and is not allowing him to go ahead with his “Kisan Yatra” scheduled in Kannauj district.
As many as 18 parties, including CPI, CPM, AIMIM, AAP will support the farmers.
Bank and Trade Unions also Extend their Support
A number of bank unions and trade unions have also extended their support for the farmers. All India Bank Employees’ Association (AIBEA) has asked the government to come forward and resolve the issue.
Centre Firm on not Repealing Farm Laws
Farmers have been asking the government to repeal the farm laws but the government is stiff on claiming that the new laws are for the betterment of the farmers and would not be repealed.
However, the government has said that every suggestion for amendments to make the laws more farmer-friendly is welcomed.
Feature image credits – DNA India
