Farmers Movement Archive

Pune: Shutdown at Gultekdi likely for farmers’ stir

PUNE: Various farmer and social organizations will stage protest at the Gultekdi Market Yard in the city on Tuesday to support the Bharat Bandh called by colleagues agitating at the border points of New Delhi against the Centre’s farm bills. The Poona Merchants’ Chamber, which represents the grain merchants and traders, announced closure of its member units on Tuesday. Dilip Mohite, the NCP MLA from Khed who heads the Maharashtra State Cooperative Marketing Committee Federation, said, “We will support the protest across Maharashtra.” Madhukant Garad, administrator and secretary Agricultural Produce Market Committee-Pune, said, “We have not announced closure of the Gultekdi Market Yard officially. Our staffers will work as usual. But farmers may face difficulties if they come with their produce because the commission agents’ association and workers’ unions have decided to participate in the bandh.” Kaluram Thorat, a farmer from Nandur village in Daund tehsil, said, “I have fenugreek and coriander ready to harvest. I won’t be able to sell it anywhere, including Gultekdi.” Vilas Bhujbal, president of the commission agents’ association of the Gultekdi Market Yard, said, “No auction or any other activity will take place in the market. The farm bills are not only against us but many small-time workers too.” Raju Shetti, former MP and Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana founder, said, “All units of the party will stage peaceful demonstrations on Tuesday. We have advised the agitators not to stage demonstration on highways. We have urged milk farmers, medical and hospital groups not to stop work.” Pune Congress president Ramesh Bagwe in a statement said workers of the Maha Vikas Agahdi would take out a march at the Alka Talkies Chowk at 11am.

The Times of India

2020-12-08

Pune