Day after three-day of ‘Rail Roko’ started in protest against the passage of three controversial farm bills in the Rajya Sabha by farmers’ organizations in Punjab and Haryana, Farmers’ organizations across the country will take to the road on Friday to meet their legal demands, guaranteed minimum support price (MSP). A total of 31 farmer organizations have given their support on the call for Bharat Bandh today.

All India Farmers Union (AIFU), Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), All India Kisan Mahasangh (AIKM), and All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC) declared a cross country bandh. Farmers’ bodies in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra have also called for a shutdown.

RSS-affiliated farmer organizations like Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, Swadeshi Jagran Manch are also demanding amendments in the legislation, but they will not take part in the protest today.

Ten Central Trade Unions including the All India Trade Union Congress, National Trades Union Congress, Center of Indian Trade Union, Hind Mazdoor Sabha, All India United Trade Union Center, and Trade Union Coordination Center have also given their support.

The Congress on Thursday supported the call for a Bharat Bandh. A total of 18 parties including AAP, Congress, Left parties, NCP, DMK, SP, Trinamool Congress, RJD encouraged the President not to sign the Bills.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has asked farmers to keep up peace and follow the Covid-19 security convention. No FIR will be lodged for violation of Section 144 during protests, the CM said.

Fourteen special passenger trains running from the Ferozepur division of the railways have been canceled from 24 to 26 September in view of the three-day rail stop protest by the farmers’ organizations. The trains suspended incorporate the Golden Temple Mail (Amritsar-Mumbai Central), Jan Shatabdi Express (Haridwar-Amritsar), New Delhi-Jammu Tawi, Sachkhand Express (Nanded-Amritsar), and Shaheed Express (Amritsar-Jayanagar).

Farmers’ associations have chosen to go for an uncertain rail block from October 1

The Delhi-Haryana border is likely to be sealed as protesters may march towards the capital city. Delhi Police is on high alert.

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) will conduct a three-hour roundabout jam (road blockade) across Punjab from 11 am to 2 pm.

On 20 September, the Rajya Sabha promoted farmers and excise (commerce and promotion) on the Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill amid opposition from opposition parties.