India farmers’ protest: Resurgence of ‘Dilli Chalo’ March
The reignition of India farmers’ protest:
In 2021, India farmers’ protest against agricultural reforms introduced by the Modi government. The protest lasted for 13 months, characterized by demonstrations, road blockades, and clashes with law enforcement. Ultimately, the government repealed three contentious farm laws in response to the farmers’ demands.
Farmers have once again ignited their protest against the government, launching the ‘Dilli Chalo’ March with thousands rallying towards Delhi, accompanied by tractors. The government has responded by sealing off borders from Punjab and Haryana with barricades, and security forces and police are on high alert, halting farmers at the Sambhu border and employing tear gas to deter their progress.
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) in collaboration with central trade unions has announced the Gramin Bharat Bandh on February 16th, underscoring their determination to voice their grievances.
In 2021, farmers commenced their protest against the farm laws introduced by the Modi government. Following a 13-month-long struggle, which witnessed clashes with police and disruptions including the events at Lal Kila and roads of Delhi and NCR, causing inconvenience to innocent locals, the government eventually repealed the three contentious farm laws.
Key demands of the farmers
The protesting farmers are steadfast in their demands, which include:
- MSP: Upholding the demand for Minimum Support Price (MSP) as recommended by the Swaminathan Commission chaired by Prof. M. S. Swaminathan.
- Debt Waiver: Urging for the waiver of debts burdening farmers.
- Land Acquisition: Advocating for a 10% reservation on residential plots on developed lands as compensation for land acquired for developmental projects.
- Pension: Calling for the establishment of a pension scheme for farmers and farm laborers.
Government’s response to farmers’ demands
Union Minister Arjun Munda has expressed the government’s willingness to engage in dialogue with the farmers. He emphasized that addressing farmers’ concerns involves collaboration with state governments and other stakeholders and the need to establish a forum to discuss solutions.
Concerns over the legitimacy of India farmers’ protest
While some experts doubt the effectiveness of this protest due to the absence of certain farmer unions and perceive it as a political strategy to influence the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 2024, others question the feasibility of providing pensions to millions of farmers and farm labourers. The issue has been further politicized as Congress Chairman Kharge pledged to make MSP a legal guarantee if the INDI alliance assumes power.
In contrast to the previous protest, the government is prepared to take stringent measures to prevent any disruptions caused by the alleged protest. Borders in Punjab and Haryana have already been fortified. Union Minister Arjun Munda has cautioned protesting farmers to remain vigilant against elements seeking to exploit their movement for political gain.