NAPM founder Medha Patkar in Northern Bengal urging all 'not to vote' for BJP

National Alliance of People's Movements founder Medha Patkar arrived northern half of West Bengal today with her appeal for farmers in the state not to vote in favour of BJP. Along with a few other noted social activists, she is on her trip to all the states undergoing assembly elections.

"We do not support anyone, neither have any candidate. But we are against BJP and requesting all to use his voting power to keep BJP out of power," said Medha Patkar while talking to ET.

"On the interest of everyone, all in every constituency must vote in favour of any candidate who can win against BJP," said Dr. Sridharan, Founder of All India Kisan Sangarsh Coordination Committee. An umbrella body of 250 farmers organizations. He is also campaigning in favour of the farmers' movement with Patkar.


"The farmers' agitation in Delhi that is going on for more than last 130 days has already witnessed death of over 350 farmers. But the Govt has not yet shown any positive move toward the demands," said Tejendra Singh Virk from Uttarakhand. He is the founder of Terai Kisan Sangathan.

While emphasizing on Bengal scenario, Jai Kisnan Andolan founder Yogendra Yadav said, "Like all other places in the country, farmers in the northern part of Bengal are also highly deprived. Against the official minimum support price of Rs 1800 per quintal for paddy, farmers here hardly get 1200. The tea workers here are also badly victimized."

"Bengal farmers witnessed a major blow at Nandigram or Singoor ten years back. But that was also not a cast-based politics what BJP is playing now to divide every consolidation. Bengal, with its high secular, rational and logical outlook can play a vital role in stopping BJP," said Medha Patkar.

High pitch people's movement at Nandigram and Singoor opposing the then state Government's decision of industrialization in few village lands gave birth to a violent movement. The spiraling impact of that movement was a major reason for the state to see an end of 34 years long left ruling and have Trinamool Congress in power.