Farmers oppose BJP workers in Kangra

Tribune News Service

Dharamsala, October 15

BJP workers campaigning for the Fatehpur Assembly byelection once again faced farmers’ ire in a border area of Kangra district.

When they reached Tatiali village for campaigning, they were opposed by a group of farmers. The farmers alleged that their paddy crop was rotting in the fields and they were not being able to sell it. In videos that went viral on social media, the BJP workers were seen making a hasty exit from the area due to the opposition by farmers.

Earlier, the farmers had opposed BJP candidate Baldev Thakur’s visit to Raili village in the area.

Farmers of the border area of Kangra district used to sell their paddy crop in the adjoining state of Punjab. This year, the Punjab Government has barred the entry of outside paddy into its mandis. Since there is no rice sheller in Kangra district, there is no private buyer of paddy here.

Kangra Deputy Commissioner Nipun Jindal had stated that the FCI would start the procurement of paddy at three centres in Fetehpur, Raili and Indora areas of Kangra district from tomorrow. However, farmers are restive as they fear their crop might get damaged in fields due to delayed procurement.

Meanwhile, a senior party leader, who has been denied party ticket, took to Twitter to flay a senior RSS leader.