Bhattarai expresses solidarity with protesting sugarcane farmers

KATHMANDU: Former Prime Minister and Chairperson of the Nepal Socialist Party (New Force), Dr. Baburam Bhattarai, has extended his support to the ongoing protests of sugarcane farmers.

On Tuesday, he reached Maitighar Mandala in Kathmandu, where he expressed solidarity with the farmers, calling their demands “genuine and justified.”

Dr. Bhattarai criticized the government for unilaterally slashing the subsidy amount promised to sugarcane farmers.

He further accused the government of injustice and exploitation, saying that not only was the subsidy reduced, but even the reduced amount had not been provided on time.

He urged the protesting farmers to remain united and firm in their struggle for rightful demands.

Sugarcane farmers across Madhesh Province and other regions have been staging protests, demanding the government retain the subsidy of Rs. 70 per quintal and ensure the pending payments.

The farmers have taken to the streets demanding the release of their dues for the fiscal year 2081/82.