Farmers, workers bring their worries, expectations at Rahul-Kharge event

Bhopal: The loudest sounds at the Congress's ‘Kisan Maha Chaupal' at Jawahar Chowk on Tuesday were from slogans and loudspeakers, but the stories, almost drowned out by the shrill chants and public announcements, were conveyed through hushed conversations reflecting the many challenges faced by farmers, workers and labourers who enable city lives everyday.From an elderly woman, who came all the way from her village in a nearby district to not just to hear about the impact of the India-US trade deal but also share how badly she needed a pension for survival, to a single mother facing the challenge of eviction from the piece of land where her humble accommodation exists as the area is set for redevelopment under the smart city project, these were some of the stories shared by women as they joined thousands of others at the Congress event. For many, the event, headlined by Congress heavyweights Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, was yet another way to make themselves heard by those in places of authority for the varied concerns that affected them. Along the footpath, near a small table set up with drinking water arrangements, farmers gathered in small circles, talking about land, prices and survival — conversations shaped less by ideology and more by everyday uncertainty. Seventy-year-old GL Gour from Koudiya village in Phanda tehsil did not push his way forward. He stood patiently, listening, occasionally nodding. For him, the present is best understood by remembering the past. "Back in the day when HD Deve Gowda was prime minister, I used to sell soybean at Rs 8,000 per quintal. Now it is below Rs 4,000," he said, in an almost matter-of-fact manner. Gour has 20 acres of land, and a family of 10 entirely dependent on agriculture. He identifies himself as an educated farmer — he passed higher secondary in 1968. "I did not come here with any political leader. I came on my own with a belief that when we fight, something will surely happen," he told TOI. Nearby, 75-year-old Chain Singh Patel from Biccholi village in Sehore district spoke of a different kind of insecurity. His village lies in a forest area, and ownership of land remains a dream. "My grandfather was born there. We have been cultivating this land for generations, but we still don't have patta," he said. Asked why he made the journey to Bhopal, Patel paused before replying, "I hope something will happen", in a voice betraying lack of conviction.Not all the journeys were short. Acche Lal Saket, 60, travelled more than 500 km from Naigarhi in Rewa district, spending the night in a general class train compartment with two friends. "I have only five acres. Earlier,it was enough to raise my family. Now, things are getting more difficult day by day," he said, adding, "We are here in the hope of our betterment."For 28-year-old Bhola Singh Lodhi, a small tribal farmer from Bargi in Jabalpur, the expectation was simpler. "We should get better prices for our crops," he said, watching the crowds swell as Rahul and Kharge spoke at the Kishan Maha Choupal. Arun Patel and Sewak Ram Patel, both farmers, sat in the front row at the rally listening cautiously to every speech. When this correspondent asked them what brought them here, they said they were Soybean farmers from nearby districts. "We have come with a memorandum that we want to share with the Congress leaders about our challenges in getting compensation when crops are damaged due to rain. We also want to hear about what this trade deal is about and how it will impact us," Patel said. As the rally continued at Jawahar Chowk, many farmers stayed back even after the speeches ended. Some folded banners carefully, others sat quietly on the pavement. They did not speak of victories or assurances — only of hope.