THE MEMBERS of the Zila Udyog Vyapar Pratinidhi Mandal (Varanasi) torched an effigy of the Union Government at Maidagin Crossing, here on Saturday. The agitators were protesting against the alleged anti-traders policies of the UPA Government.
The traders opined the Union Government was purchasing wheat from abroad on a much higher rate than the Indian farmers were willing to sell. Besides, the unprecedented increase in consumer goods had multiplied the woes of the common people.
President of the mandal, Arun Sahu and general secretary, Mahesh Ahuja led the agitation and alleged the Centre was buying wheat at Rs 11 per kg whereas Indian farmers were willing to sell their wheat for Rs 6 per kg.
The agitated traders also forwarded a six-point charter of their demands to city magistrate to be forwarded to the prime minister. The traders alleged the Union Government was promoting colonisation by inviting multinational companies (MNCs) in the country.
Among other prominent trader leaders who addressed the dharna included president of Kashi Vyapar Pratinidhi Mandal, Ghanshyam Jaiswal, general secretary of UP Yuva Udyog Vyapar Pratinidhi Mandal, Prakash Ji, Shailesh Verma, Ajay Sahu, Mohd. Wasim and Manjoor Kasim.