- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Mon, 15 Sep 2025 10:21 AM (IST)
- Source:Jagran News Network
A day after the Mahapanchayat organised by Palam Khap 360 and other groups against the toll on UER-2, the Toll Hatao Sangharsh Samiti (Remove Toll Action Committee) faced administrative hurdles on Sunday as police refused permission for another panchayat near the Mundka-Bakkarwala toll plaza.
Despite tents and sound systems being arranged, police did not allow the organisers to set up any structure, forcing people to hold the panchayat while standing in the sun. Heavy police and paramilitary presence was reported at the site. The committee alleged discrimination, questioning why permission was granted for Saturday’s event but denied the following day. Police officials clarified that permission was withheld as the organisers failed to complete the required formalities on time.
Senior Khap leader Ramkumar Solanki announced that a review meeting will now be held on September 27 at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Park, Mundka, where the sequence of events will be discussed and the strategy finalised. Committee member Vijay Maan accused the toll company of conspiring to weaken the agitation, but added that if anyone succeeds in getting the toll removed, “the committee will welcome them.”
Farmer leaders, including Satyendra Lohchab, Bhupendra Bajad, Mandeep, Rao Satbir, Dilbagh Singh Neelwal, Manoj Bakkarwala, Anil Lakra, Arun Daral, Ravindra Dabas Barwala, and others, joined the protest.
The movement against toll collection on UER-2 has drawn political backing. After the Aam Aadmi Party, the Congress has also openly extended support. Delhi Congress president Devender Yadav said the party stands with the ultimatum issued by the 360 Khap Mahapanchayat to remove the toll by September 20. He added that if villagers and farmers launch an indefinite protest on September , Congress will join them.
Yadav criticised the BJP-led government, stating that never before in Delhi’s history has a toll been imposed within the city itself. “This shows the government’s apathy towards farmers and rural Delhi,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Mool Gramin Panchayat has written an open letter demanding the removal of the toll plaza. The letter, addressed to Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, state ministers, all 70 MLAs, and MPs of Delhi, argues that no tolls exist on Delhi’s two earlier ring roads, and the same policy should apply to UER-2.
Senior vice-president Dayanand Vats warned that the toll affects not only rural Delhi but the entire population of nearly 20 million residents. He urged the Delhi government to pass a cabinet resolution seeking the removal of the toll and forward it to the Centre.
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Khap leaders, including Palam 360 chief Chaudhary Surender Solanki, have begun public outreach in villages such as Madanpur, Ranikhera, and Mubarakpur, reiterating the ultimatum. If demands are not met by September 20, a large-scale chakka jaam (road blockade) will be organised across Delhi Dehat on September 21.
“This is not just a fight against toll tax,” Solanki said, “but a battle for the rights of rural Delhi.”