Tens of thousands of farmers, some carrying skulls of those who committed suicide, had marched towards parliament demanding loan waivers and better prices for their produce.The protest is one of the biggest displays of frustration with BJP government, which faces a tough general election due by May next year. Many of the farmers came in trains and other packed into buses and other modes of transport, it said.
Over 3,500 police personnel have deployed to ensure security at the event. As many as 850 police personnel, up to the rank of sub-inspectors, have been deployed in the Central district. They will be augmented by the presence of 12 police companies, including two of women, comprising 75-80 personnel each, a police official said. The protesters are backed by opposition politicians, including Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal, Sharad Pawar, HD Deve Gowda and others. CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury and Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal also addressed the masses, among others.
The last time when the farmers protested in Delhi on October 2, they were met with barricades, water cannons and even tear gas shells. This time, the leaders of the movement are hoping for cooperation from authorities.
