Surat | Gujarat — The simmering anger of farmers in South Gujarat spilled onto the national highway at Kamrej, Surat, where nearly 4,000 farmers gathered on Sunday for the Khedut Chetna Maha Sammelan. Organized by the Gujarat Khedut Samaj (GKS), the gathering witnessed fiery speeches, bold accusations, and a renewed call for a “freedom movement” to protect farmers’ rights.
Farmers from Surat, Bharuch, Navsari, Valsad, Tapi, Narmada, and Dang districts attended the meet, voicing opposition to multiple issues: land acquisition for power lines, the Ghala lignite mine project, Bharatmala highway expansion, Par-Tapi Narmada link canal, Surat-Navsari-Bharuch town planning schemes, and the 90-day closure of canals at Kakrapar.
“Farmers are being sacrificed for industries”
Renowned economist Prof. Hemant Shah, addressing the crowd, minced no words. “The Ministry of Cooperation was created not to strengthen but to destroy the cooperative sector. Those sitting in power want to enslave the country. This is not just a farmers’ protest—it is a freedom movement. They must be sent home.”
Vijay Javandhya, a national farmer leader from Maharashtra who has supported Gujarat farmers since 1980, slammed the ruling establishment.
“During the Manmohan Singh government, we fought for C2 + 50% MSP. Letters are still being written to the Prime Minister. But what has changed for farmers? You speak of Hindu unity, but tell me, how much has the income of Hindu farmers increased? Farmers have been turned into slaves while industries thrive.” said Javandhya.
The 90-day closure of Kakrapar’s right-bank canal dominated discussions. Jayesh Patel, President of Bharuch Khedut Samaj and farmer leader Darshan Naik, accused the government of siding with industries:
“Officials have no answers on why the canal is being shut. There’s no circular, no budget, no appointed agency. This is not for farmers—it’s for industries. Farmers made you leaders, but remember, the same farmers can uproot your chair.”
Adding fire to the protest, cooperative leader Darshan Naik attacked the ruling party.“It is time to rise above caste politics. Farmers’ survival is at stake. The BJP leaders sitting silently on the canal issue should know—we will not forgive betrayal.”
Resolutions and recognition
The Sammelan concluded with the passing of resolutions demanding:
Legal guarantee of MSP at C2 + 50%
Cancellation of land acquisitions affecting farmers
Immediate withdrawal of the canal closure plan
Greater transparency in town planning schemes
Farm leaders and cooperators who had served the community were also honored with certificates, while the gathering expressed gratitude to the Gaypagla temple trustees and Stad Pardi villagers, who shifted the event indoors after heavy rains.
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