Death of Farmer Puts Bagpath on Edge Ahead of PM Modi’s Visit

Baghpat is merely 30 km away from where PM Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the Eastern Peripheral Expressway.

Image used for representational purposes.

(Photo: Reuters)

Udayveer Singh, a sugarcane farmer who had been on a dharna with 50-other farmers over the non-payment of dues by sugar mills and an increase in rural power tariff, died at the protest site in Baraut tehsil in Uttar Pradesh’s Bagpath on 26 May, reported The Indian Express.

The place is merely 30 km away from where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate India’s first “smart highway” on Sunday, 27 May.

Protesting farmers blame the BJP government for breaking their promise of clearing the farmer dues within 14 days of coming to power in Uttar Pradesh. They claim the government has increased the power tariff aggravating the farmer crisis.

Chaudhary Surender Singh, one of the leaders of the agitating farmers, told The Indian Express:

Power bill has been raised to around Rs 1,600 every two months. Our dues have been mounting by the day. There are farms where the sugarcane has not even been harvested. The farmers are facing a crisis situation.

The government hiked power tariff twice in the last five months. Sugar mills have closed. They are importing sugar from abroad. It is a grave issue. (Singh) sacrificed his life fighting for the interest of others, he is a martyr.

Jayant Chaudhary, RLD leader told The Indian Express

Baghpat ADM Lokpal Singh, has announced a compensation of Rs 12 lakh for the family of the deceased farmer. “ I will write to the government recommending that the compensation be enhanced to Rs 50 lakh as is being demanded by the farmers and the family,” he told the daily.

(With inputs from The Indian Express)

(This is a developing story)