Khandeep, June 23: A significant movement has emerged in Rajasthan, demanding the release of water from the Panchna Dam into the canals. MLA Ramkesh Meena stated on Tuesday that such a large-scale farmers’ protest has not been seen in Rajasthan for the past 70 years. He emphasized that the Khandeep Mahapanchayat has become a statewide issue, garnering attention even in Delhi.
Addressing farmers on the 19th day of the protest, Ramkesh Meena accused the state government of attempting to weaken the movement by sowing division among communities. He warned that farmers have set a deadline of June 27 for the government to release water into the canals. He questioned why the government remains silent despite the scale of the protest, noting that while ministers visit nearby villages, they avoid coming to Khandeep.
The ongoing Mahapanchayat and indefinite sit-in have seen a large turnout of farmers. Several MPs, MLAs, and senior representatives have shown their open support for the movement. A massive crowd gathered at the protest site, with farmers, women, and youth from numerous villages in Nadouti and Todabhim tehsils joining in solidarity.
The assembly featured speeches from Harish Chandra Meena, MLA Ghanshyam Mehar, former MLA Lakhan Singh Meena, and former minister Golma Devi, all demanding the immediate release of water for the farmers. Former MLA Lakhan Singh Meena stated that the struggle would continue until justice is served and water is released from the Panchna Dam.
He declared, “We will fight this battle for farmers’ rights until the end. We will not allow their rights to be overlooked.” MLA Ghanshyam Mehar accused the government of ignoring farmers’ issues, asserting that this is not just a movement for one village or community, but a fight for the rights of thousands of farmers. He urged every representative to stand with the farmers in Khandeep, warning that those who do not show up will have to answer to the public.
Ramkesh Meena noted that the movement has gained such momentum that it has become one of the most talked-about protests in Rajasthan. He stated, “We have given the government until June 27. An order to release water into our canals should be issued before that date.”
MP Harish Chandra Meena reassured farmers that their demands are entirely justified and align with court rulings. He affirmed, “Our fight is not against any community. We only want the government to fulfill its legal responsibilities. This movement will succeed.”
The Panchna Command Area Development Struggle Committee announced that on June 24, thousands of farmers, women, youth, and Panch-Patel leaders from various villages will arrive at the protest site in a convoy of hundreds of vehicles. The committee and MLA Ramkesh Meena have urged all MPs, MLAs, and representatives, regardless of their political affiliations, to come to the protest site and support the farmers.
Given the increasing crowd and political backing, the Khandeep Mahapanchayat is becoming one of the largest farmers’ movements in eastern Rajasthan. Farmers have made it clear that if water from the Panchna Dam is not released by June 27, the protest will escalate further.
Leave a Comment