In U.P., united by grievances but divided over political options
The Hindu
Farmers across caste groups list inflation, falling farm incomes and stray cattle but are unable to agree on an alternative to the BJP
Raj Bahadur Tyagi and Omkar Tyagi, both farmers from Bijnor in western Uttar Pradesh, have a long list of grievances against the BJP government, for which they voted in the last two elections. Inflation, low procurement prices for crops, rising electricity bills and costs of fuel and stray cattle menace are just some of the problems.
“Ready crop is destroyed in just one night. You tell me, if you raise a child and take care of it. But he goes away, what will your heart go through,” asked Mr. Tyagi referring to crop loss.
Farmers faced a drastic choice between taking up labour work, starving or taking their own lives, added Mr. Raj Bahadur Tyagi, who owns around 15 bighas (less than four hectares) of land and is affiliated to the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) of Rakesh Tikait.