Widespread unseasonal rains this year have destroyed standing crops across Gujarat, leaving farmers in severe distress. Waterlogging in farmlands has wiped out expected harvests, and with the state government yet to provide adequate compensation or ensure fair crop prices, the farming community continues to face a worsening crisis.
Positioning itself as a supporter of rural Gujarat, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has been holding a series of ‘Kisan Mahapanchayats’ in multiple districts. The party has now announced a grand Kisan Mahapanchayat in Amreli on December 7.
Speaking ahead of the upcoming event, Manoj Sorathiya, AAP’s State Organisation General Secretary, said that despite 30 years of BJP rule, the condition of farming, farmers, and rural Gujarat remains dismal. He said farmers are burdened with the rising costs of seeds, pesticides, and labour, yet continue to be denied fair prices for their produce. According to him, even when farmers take their goods to the market, they face an exploitative price-cutting practice.
With farmers pushed to helplessness, Sorathiya recalled AAP’s agitation in Botad against the deduction system. He alleged that the “ruthless government” tried to suppress the protest by ordering lathicharge on farmers, children, and women. He added that several AAP farmer leaders — including Rajubhai Karpada and Pravinbhai Ram — remain behind bars.
Sorathiya said AAP launched its ‘Mahapanchayat’ movement from Sudamda to amplify the collective voice of farmers across Gujarat. Since then, Mahapanchayats have been held in Jamkhambhalia, Gir Somnath, Tapi, Anand, and Banaskantha. The next event will be held on Sunday, December 7, at 3 PM, at Senior Citizen Park in Amreli.
Extending an invitation, Sorathiya urged farmers from all towns and villages across Saurashtra to attend the Mahapanchayat in large numbers and stand united for their rights.