Nashik: The young farmer from Yevla taluka, Krishna Dongre, has pledged to remain semi-clad as long as the Narendra Modi government is in power. He has been clad in just a pair of trousers for months now and has said, if in the state Assembly elections, the BJP wins, then he will once again embark on his semi-clad andolan just before the model code of conduct comes into effect for the next general elections. For now, his andolan will continue for another eight months. Dongre has become the topic of discussion for youth across social media platforms and in Yevla. He said, he is waiting for the rains, since the land on which he grows his food, is parched. He has tilled the land and made preparations for water, which is as much as he can do in the current situation.
Dongre has called the BJP-led government ‘anti-farmer’. During the Lok Sabha election campaign, when the Nationalist Congress Party chief, Sharad Pawar was addressing a rally, a semi-clad Dongre went up to the dais and presented his plea. He told Pawar he was protesting against the Modi government’s anti-farmer policy. Pawar is said to have told him, ‘Don’t worry,’ and assured Dongre of looking into his demands. He complained about the government scuttling his attempt to protest on his land. In March, Dongre sent his clothes and slippers to the Prime Minister’s Office by speed post. “After that incident, police have tried to constantly prevent me from protesting further,” complained Dongre.