Kejriwal and Mann Launch Fierce Attack on BJP at Modasa Mahapanchayat, Pledge Support for Farmers and Cattle Rearers

National News: In a powerful show of solidarity with farmers and cattle rearers, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann addressed a massive Mahapanchayat in Modasa. Both leaders accused the ruling BJP government in Gujarat and at the Centre of corruption, arrogance, and betrayal of the agricultural community.

PM Abroad for Adani, But Lathis for Farmers at Home 

Arvind Kejriwal launched a scathing critique of Prime Minister Modi, alleging that while he travels abroad to secure contracts for industrialists like Adani, Gujarat’s farmers are beaten with batons when they demand rightful bonuses. Kejriwal called the BJP government a "regime for the rich," saying the poor only receive tear gas and police brutality in return.

Government of Corporates, Not the Common People

Referring to the tragic death of cattle rearer Ashok Chaudhary, Kejriwal expressed deep concern that not a single rupee had been given as compensation to his family. He accused the BJP-led government of caring only about big business houses while suppressing the voices of struggling farmers.

Betrayal Over Bonus Payments

Kejriwal highlighted that farmers and dairy workers used to receive annual bonuses in June. However, this year, no payment has been made yet. He noted that while the government announced a 9.5% bonus, it has not been implemented. From 2020 to 2023, farmers received bonuses ranging from 16% to 17%, making the sudden drop highly questionable.

Farmers’ Money Funding BJP Rallies

Raising serious allegations, Kejriwal questioned why bonus rates have been slashed this year. He claimed the bonus funds are being redirected to finance BJP’s election campaigns. Furthermore, he argued that the Gujarat government only announced a revised 17.5% bonus after AAP’s leaders revealed plans to visit the state — a move he described as "false and misleading."

Crackdown on Protesting Farmers

The Mahapanchayat strongly condemned the police crackdown on farmers who protested at Sabarkantha Dairy. Kejriwal called the use of batons, tear gas, and bullets against peaceful protestors a blatant attack on democracy. He demanded that the family of the late Ashok Chaudhary be given ₹1 crore each by both the state government and the dairy cooperative.

Cooperative Sector Under BJP Control

Kejriwal also claimed that BJP has hijacked Gujarat’s cooperative sector, manipulating fat-measuring machines in dairies to cheat farmers out of fair compensation — an alleged scam running into thousands of crores.

AAP is the True Face of Change

Kejriwal told the crowd that Gujarat is ready for change, likening the BJP’s current arrogance to that of the Congress in 1985 — when it lost power after police fired on protesting farmers. He called AAP the only genuine alternative, as Congress has become "BJP’s silent partner." He mocked Congress as a "wedding horse," saying AAP leaders are "long-distance runners" committed to the people.

Bhagwant Mann: BJP’s True Face is Now Exposed

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann echoed Kejriwal’s sentiments, slamming the BJP for filing FIRs against 82 protestors after the dairy protest. "This government is not listening; it is silencing," he said. He added that when opposition is weak, those in power become tyrannical. Mann further attacked the BJP for misusing cooperative societies and labeled the much-touted “Gujarat Model” as hollow and deceptive. “The truth is now clear to the people,” he declared.

“This is Not Just a Protest—It’s a Movement”

Concluding the Mahapanchayat, both leaders called upon the people of Gujarat to join a larger fight for justice, accountability, and democracy. They said the movement is no longer just about milk prices or bonuses, but about the dignity and rights of the common people. “This is the time to fight, not fear,” said Kejriwal, urging the public to view AAP as the real voice of the oppressed.