AIKS Calls For August 10 Jail Bharo Protest After Mumbai Meeting
The Central Kisan Committee of the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) has called for a nationwide "Jail Bharo" (Fill the Jails) protest on August 10, 2026, following a two-day planning meeting held at the YMCA Centre in Mumbai on June 28 and June 29, 2026. The demonstration aims to oppose current government policies and trade agreements that farmers argue harm their livelihoods.
During the meeting at the YMCA Centre, the committee discussed several pressing issues affecting the agricultural sector. These included falling prices for agricultural produce, rising input costs, fertiliser shortages, crop insurance issues, land acquisition policies, sugarcane pricing, and loan waiver schemes. The committee also examined the functioning of the Food Corporation of India (FCI).
AIKS national president Ashok Dhawale specifically criticized proposed free trade agreements, such as the India-U.S. and India-New Zealand FTAs, stating they would negatively impact farmers' interests.
Dhawale also highlighted the disparity in agricultural funding by comparing India's budget allocations to those of the European Union. He noted that the EU allocated 387 billion euros (Rs 41.5 lakh crore) for agriculture between 2021 and 2027, representing 31 percent of its total budget. In contrast, India's latest Union Budget allocated Rs 1.37 lakh crore to agriculture and allied sectors, which constitutes just 2.7 percent of the total budget.
The August 10 district-level Jail Bharo movement will involve farmers, workers, and agricultural labourers. Leading up to this, AIKS plans to participate in the National Convention of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) in Delhi on July 28, 2026, followed by the National Struggle Convention on July 29, 2026, which is being organised jointly by the SKM and Central Trade Unions.
Additionally, the committee announced plans to mark the 90th anniversary of the AIKS on November 15, 2026, with village-level flag hoisting and cultural programmes. The organisation's next National Conference is scheduled to take place from November 18 to November 21, 2026, in Nalgonda, Telangana.
