Farmer leader Ayyakannu begins relay fast demanding withdrawal of farm laws
The Hindu
A group of farmers led by P. Ayyakannu, State president, Desiya Thennindhiya Nadhigal Inaippu Vivasayigal Sangam, on Tuesday commenced a 46-day relay fast at his residence demanding the withdrawal of
A group of farmers led by P. Ayyakannu, State president, Desiya Thennindhiya Nadhigal Inaippu Vivasayigal Sangam, on Tuesday commenced a 46-day relay fast at his residence demanding the withdrawal of three farm laws enacted by the Centre and in support of other demands.
Mr. Ayyakannu along with a group of farmers owing allegiance to the Sangam initially planned to observe the fast outside. But they were not given permission by the police. Consequently, they began the relay fast inside his house at Annamalai Nagar area here.
More than 2.6 lakh village and ward volunteers in Andhra Pradesh, once celebrated as the government’s grassroots champions for their crucial role in implementing welfare schemes, are now in a dilemma after learning that their tenure has not been renewed after August 2023 even though they have been paid honoraria till June 2024. Disowned by both YSRCP, which was in power when they were appointed, and the current ruling TDP, which made a poll promise to double their pay, these former volunteers are ruing the day they signed up for the role which they don’t know if even still exists