"Government is committing atrocities against farmers": Congress' Ajay Rai

Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], December 8 (ANI): Congress leader Ajay Rai has slammed the government's handling of farmers' issues, asserting that farmers are facing severe injustice.
During a press conference on Sunday, Rai condemned the government's actions and reaffirmed Congress' support for the ongoing farmer protests.
"The government is committing atrocities against farmers, and they are adamant about their demands. False assurances have been given. Farmers are being arrested. Initially, they used to get 50 kg of fertilizer, then it was reduced to 45 kg, and now they are only getting 40 kg. Congress stands with them," Rai said, highlighting the difficulties farmers are facing with reduced fertilizer supplies.
Meanwhile, the "jatha," a contingent of 101 farmers participating in the 'Dilli Chalo' march, was called off due to escalating tensions and injuries among the protesters. Farmer leaders confirmed that the group's withdrawal came after several farmers were injured, one of whom was admitted to PGI in serious condition.
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher addressed the media, stating that the situation would be assessed in a meeting the following day. "Today we have decided to withdraw the 'jatha'. The agitation will continue today. One farmer has been admitted to PGI and is in serious condition, and 8-9 farmers are injured, so we have withdrawn the 'jatha'. After the meeting, we will tell you about the future program," Pandher said.
The injured farmers include Resham Singh, Dilbagh Singh, Mehr Singh, Karnail Singh, Harbhajan Singh, and Kulwinder Singh, with four in serious condition.
Pandher also slammed the government for trying to stop the march, saying, "The Modi government has the most powerful means and resources in the world to spread false propaganda and misinformation. The government does not seem to have any intention of resolving this issue through dialogue with us."
On the occasion of Sonia Gandhi's birthday on Monday (December 9), Rai shared Congress' plans for a large-scale blood donation camp across Uttar Pradesh, aimed at promoting communal harmony. "Through blood donation, the red blood we give will flow in the bodies of people of all religions," he said.
Rai, during the media briefing, also reaffirmed Congress' role in the INDIA alliance, stressing Rahul Gandhi's leadership. "Congress party was in the role of elder brother in the INDIA alliance and will always remain so. Rahul Gandhi was our (INDIA alliance's) leader and will remain so," Rai added. (ANI)