Bhubaneswar: Agitating farmers of Odisha Friday issued an ultimatum to the Biju Janta Dal (BJD) government to solve their problems by Januray 31, or the party may face the wrath of the peasants in the next election.
The farmers under the banner of Naba Nirman Krushak Sangathan (NNKS) made this announcement as its members marched from Raghunathpur area in Bhubaneswar.
The NNKS has been agitating for long demanding pension, proper price on their produces and prestige for farmers. They have been demanding Rs 5,000 as monthly pension for elderly farmers.
NNKS convener Akshaya Kumar said the results of the five state assembly elections indicated that farmers are now united and if the Odisha government does not make its stand clear on the farmers’ demands by January 31, the NNKS will intensify agitation from February 1.
“Odisha government may also face the same situation, if it ignores farmers’ demands,” he said and threatened that the state government would be responsible for the law and order situation likely to be created after the January 31 deadline.
The assembly election in Odisha is due next year.
He said the organisation will submit a memorandum to the Governor demanding pension for farmers in Odisha.
NNKS had earlier rejected the state government’s inter-ministerial committee and refused to talk to the panel headed by Finance Minister S B Behera.
“We have rejected the inter-ministerial committee and will not hold any discussion with the panel. Let the government issue an ordinance announcing pension for farmers,” NKS convener Akshaya Kumar said.
Meanwhile, leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra demanded the resignation of Agriculture Minister and said, “The paddy procurement process is yet to begin at many places in Western Odisha while farmers are being exploited by the mill owners and middlemen.”
BJP spokesperson Golak Mohapatra said, “This government has done nothing and has failed in all aspects. In future, farmers will definitely bring a change in the state.”
BJD leader Prasanna Acharya said, “The government is aware of the issues our farmers are facing. It is trying its best to find a solution in phases which will continue in the future as well.”