'No politics please.' This is a diktat emerging from the ongoing Jal, Jameen, Jungle Bachao Padyatra as it rolled into another successful day on Friday.
"No politics please." This is a diktat emerging from the ongoing Jal, Jameen, Jungle Bachao Padyatra as it rolled into another successful day on Friday.
The day saw even more farmers joining in the first-of-its-kind people's protest against the state government's industrialization policies.
As the yatra progresses, gathering steam on its way, the most striking factor remains their unwillingness to associate with any major political party.
Youth Congress president Indravijaysinh Gohil and Bhavnagar district's Digvijaysinh have joined in the yatra, but they were categorically told to join without the banner of Youth Congress.
Sometime on Thursday after the yatra started and looking at the overwhelming response it received, sources claimed even the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) sent message of their willingness to lend its support, despite the fact that it is against the BJP government that they lend support to.
But they were also told that they are welcome to join, but without the institutional banner.
"This is a people's yatra and we wish to keep it that way, not of any political party with an agenda. The only agenda here is to draw the government's attention to stop mindless industrialization and save farmland," said an elated Dr Kanubhai Kalsariya, BJP MLA from Mahuva. He is, however, not supported by the party in this endeavour.
The yatra, which started on Thursday morning from Doliya village where Nirma's cement factory is located in Mahuva taluka; halted at Rohisa village on Thursday night and covered around 28 km on Friday.
"It needs to be noted that around 3,000 farmers have joined the yatra at their own expense for a cause they believe in. 125 students have taken time off from their school to walk in support," Dr Kalsariya added.
"30% of the yatris are women, some with young children and infants. Their grit is remarkable," said lawyer activist Anand Yagnik who is also representing the case in courts.
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