By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 28 Apr: Congress MLA from Jhabreda in district Haridwar, Virendra Jaati today created a dramatic scene outside the Uttarakhand Assembly when he reached with a tractor trolley laden with sugarcane and overturned it just outside the main gate. He claimed that this was his effort to draw the public and the government’s attention to the plight of sugarcane farmers awaiting pending payments. The incident took place just before the special one-day session convened to discuss women’s rights and representation in democracy was about to convene.
While the members inside the House debated women’s reservation, the protest outside shifted focus to farmers’ grievances, creating a charged political atmosphere.
Jaati, representing Jhabreda, arrived at the Assembly premises with a trolley full of sugarcane and dumped it at the entrance, scattering the cane crop across the road and briefly disrupting movement. The Police and the Vidhan Sabha security personnel had to rush to the spot to restore order and clear the way at the earliest. The MLA claimed that his action was not intended to breach security but to highlight the worsening financial condition of sugarcane farmers who have been waiting for their dues. He alleged that Iqbalpur Sugar Mill owed farmers nearly Rs 110 crores, and despite repeated demands, the payments had not been released. He declared that the struggle would continue until the arrears were cleared. It may be recalled that Jaati has been known to indulge in such dramatic activities. He had once also climbed electric poles in Haridwar and cut off power supply of the administrative officers and of UPCL officers.
This rather unexpected protest halted traffic at the Assembly gate for a while, prompting deployment of additional police personnel to manage the situation. The opposition leaders described the incident as a reflection of government failure in addressing farmers’ concerns, while ruling party members questioned the method of protest. Jaati insisted that the agitation was a last resort to awaken the government. He claimed that his aim is not to break security but to raise the farmers’ voice. He reminded that Iqbalpur Mill owes about Rs 110 crore. Farmers are being denied their rightful dues, and that the Opposition is being compelled to protest in this manner so that the government acts and ensures payment.
