Key Maharashtra farmers' bodies to stay away from strike

Some of the key farmers' organisations in Maharashtra have decided against participating in the farmers' strike, which began on Friday, called by the Rashtriya Kisan Sabha, owing to the controversial reputation of its leader, Sandeep Gidde.

Member of Parliament, Raju Shetty, also the leader of Swabhimani Shetkari Sangathan, said that his organisation will not take part in the strike, adding, "We have decided to take our fight through a different and constructive route. We have already prepared the two important bills — the MSP plus 50% and making farmers debt free. 27 political parties had extended their support to these bills."

Another popular farmers' leader, Raghunathdada Patil of the Kisan Kranti Sanghathana, termed the strike as a government sponsored one. "We have a doubt over the credibility of the organisation, therefore, we have decided not to participate in this strike," he added.

Another farmers' leader, on condition of anonymity, said that Gidde had surprisingly called off the previous strike after projecting a contrasting view during the final stage of meeting CM Devendra Fadnavis. Meanwhile, Akhil Bhartiya Kisan Sabha president, Ashok Dhavale, told DNA that they have yet to take a call on the matter. "On Friday, we are doing a token strike across the state.

Sandeep Giddhe, refusing all allegations, said, "Most of these established farmers' leaders are working for the government, therefore, they are not participating in a strike called by us."