New Delhi: The farmers today will observe ‘Virodh Diwas’ in order to demand the Centre to fulfil its promise that was made to the farmers regarding the Minimum Support Price (MSP), said Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait. 


"Virodh Diwas will be observed on January 31 across the nation. Our demand is that the Centre should fulfil their promise on MSP made by them in Delhi. And also revoke cases against farmers registered during the year-long protest," said Tikait.


 






He also said that the protest has no connection with the upcoming Assembly elections in the five states. 


 





"Protest is different from elections. I have one vote and I will cast it to someone. I am not supporting anyone. If people are happy with the government, they will vote for them, if they are angry, they will vote for someone else," he added.


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BKU leaders, earlier this month while addressing a press conference, had announced that they will observe ‘Virodh Diwas’ on January 31 if the Centre would not respond to its demands. 


"Till now, Centre has neither formed a committee on MSP nor approached us on it. The government hasn't removed the MoS whose son is involved in the Lakhimpur Kheri incident," said Yudhvir Singh, BKU leader.


"Our movement was postponed on December 11. The Government has not responded to our demands yet, We will burn effigies on the Government across the country on January 31," he added.


 






The umbrella farmers’ outfit, Samyukta Kisan Morcha had announced the call-off of their year long protest after receiving a from the Central government which promised formation of a committee on MSP and immediate withdrawal of cases against them. 


The farmers had staged a year-long protest along the borders of Delhi against the three farm laws that were passed in September 2020. The laws were repealed through the Farm Laws Repeal Bill which was passed by both the Houses of Parliament on November 29 and later received President Ram Nath Kovind’s assent.