“We have given 72 hours’ time to the Government to set right the Mandi system and procure paddy from intending farmers at MSPs at all Mandis,” said BJP MP Suresh Pujari.
He said the team will hold discussion with other leaders in the Town police station premises and decide on the future course of action. He said the agitation is still continuing.
It may be noted BJP leaders like State president Samir Mohanty, Leader of Opposition in Odisha Legislative Assembly Pradipta Naik, MLA Jayanarayan Mishra and MP Suresh Pujari had sat on a dharna yesterday throughout the night, protesting “faulty” token system for paddy procurement being adopted by the State Government.
“Tokens have been issued to people who haven’t cultivated paddy. The State Government have no concern for farmers and are protecting the interest of millers. The token system should be scrapped forthwith,” demanded party leaders.
Like yesterday, there was also a scuffle between agitating BJP workers and police as the former tried to break the gate and enter the premises of the Sambalpur town police station.