of smart metres . Government supporters in villages began trying to convince the public of the advantages of smart metres . In response , we planned a movement to defend the rights of the people against this deception .
Praveen Balyan stated that some of the farmers supporting us initially thought that campaigning among labourers was pointless since they might not support the farmers . However , other farmers strongly opposed this notion , arguing that today , without electricity , access to water and food is impossible . The privatisation of electricity and smart metres would make basic needs like food and water unaffordable for everyone , and labourers would understand this reality .
Some also pointed out that farmers often do not consider labourers as their brothers , which is why labourers do not join their movements . They believed that if farmers approached labourers with a sense of solidarity , the labourers would definitely support this shared struggle . Protest by ‘ Kisan-Mazdoor Sangharsh Samiti ’
After much debate , everyone agreed on the need to expand the movement among workers , and a joint ‘ Kisan-Mazdoor Sangharsh Samiti ’ was formed for the campaign in Baghpat district . Intensive outreach was carried out in some villages of the district , while broader publicity was done in others .
On 18 th September , hundreds of workers and farmers arrived at the district headquarters on dozens of tractors . At the gathering , speeches were given by ordinary farmers and workers . Songs of struggle were sung . Many speakers exposed the Smart Meter Scheme . The emphasis was placed on the unity between farmers and workers . They described it as a people ’ s council , free from politicians and speechmakers , representing all December-2024 communities . They claimed that if this unity persists , the fight against smart metres would definitely be won .
Local activists of the organisation arranged for khichdi and tea for everyone at the protest site . All participants shared the same meal cooked in one large pot and ate together , symbolically reducing the gap between farmers and workers and effectively bridging the caste and religious divide . Numerous Challenges Remain
Praveen Balyan stated that during the meeting held after the Baghpat programme for assessment , three main weaknesses and challenges were identified — firstly , most people do not have a deep understanding of the anti-people policies of the government regarding electricity , which affects the effectiveness of the campaign . Secondly , the committee did not focus on the participation of women . Thirdly , the committee did not emphasise including small shopkeepers , despite their demands being included in the manifesto . The committee members are addressing these shortcomings and are forming units of the Kisan- Mazdoor Sangarsh Samiti in villages to oppose the smart metre scheme . Movement Expands
After Baghpat , a ‘ Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Samiti ’ was formed in the neighbouring district of Shamli . It made a united front with the workers ‘ Mazdoor Sahayata Samiti ’ which pledged to fight alongside the farmers against the smart metre scheme .
On 28 th September , sit-in protest was held at the Shamli district headquarters , and a memorandum was submitted to the District Magistrate ( DM ). At the protest in Shamli , workers arrived not only on tractors alongside farmers but also using their e- rickshaws , tempos , and other vehicles . About 50 female workers from both rural and urban areas participated , and their representative , Annu , raised women ’ s issues at the protest .
After Shamli , similar campaigns and sit-in protests were planned for Muzaffarnagar and Saharanpur districts .
In Meerut , the activists of the ‘ Mazdoor Sahayata Samiti ’ and workers of ‘ Kisan Ekta Kendra ’ also conducted intensive outreach in several villages . On 22 nd October , a sit-in was held in front of the DM ’ s office in Meerut . The number of workers at this protest exceeded that of the farmers , with a notable increase in female worker participation .
Speakers at the event included Sanjeev Tomar , president of ‘ Kisan Ekta Kendra ’, spokesperson Praveen Balyan , Rishabh Tyagi , and from the ‘ Mazdoor Sahayata Samiti ’, Utkarsh Vishwakarma , Mohit Pundir , Zainab , and Azhar . Local farmers also shared their views , while the cultural team , Pravah , performed songs of protest . The Movement Continues to Expand
Praveen Balyan , reviewing the movement across three districts , noted that on the issue of electricity , poor farmers , farm labourers , and unorganised sector workers have played a central role in the protests . Wealthier farmers have not joined the movement . He also observed that if the issue is shared and the approach is correct , not only can farmers and workers unite , but small shopkeepers can also be brought on board . If serious efforts are made to engage women , they too make a strong force in the movement . The movement is ongoing and efforts are being made to spread it to other districts in Uttar Pradesh .
He emphasised the need to strengthen the campaign further through wall writings , posters , social media , and newspaper outreach . �
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