Farmer Leaders Demanding Declaration of Drought Stopped at Gujarat Secretariat Gate

Farmer leaders who reached Gandhinagar to demand the declaration of drought in Gujarat were stopped from entering the state Secretariat on Tuesday. Security personnel told them that they were on a “blacklist” and could not enter the premises. The farmers later submitted their petition at the main gate of the Secretariat.

Farmers Demand Drought Declaration

The farmer leaders had come to submit a petition to the Chief Minister over the problems faced by farmers during the ongoing Kharif season. They said crop failure has badly affected farmers and demanded that the government declare drought in the state and provide immediate help.

Farmer representatives, including farmer leader Bharatsinh Jhala, reached the Secretariat with several demands. However, security personnel stopped them at the entrance and did not allow them to go inside. The farmers were told that they had been placed on a “blacklist.”

Crop Aid and Debt Waiver Sought

After being stopped, the farmer leaders submitted their application at the Secretariat gate itself. In the petition, they demanded financial assistance for crop losses and a waiver of farmers’ loans. They also sought quick steps from the government to help farmers facing losses.

The farmers said many families are struggling because their crops have failed during the Kharif season. They urged the government to assess the losses and provide assistance without delay. The leaders said farmers need immediate support to manage their financial problems.

The incident led to criticism from the farmer leaders, who questioned why they were not allowed to enter the Secretariat to submit their demands. They said they would continue raising farmers’ issues and urged the government to take action on their demands.