Once again the farmers from Punjab and Haryana are on the run to the National Capital ‘Dilli Chalo’ called by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM).
To avoid the already witnessed protest during 2020-2021, which were characterized as the world’s largest agitation involving over 250 million farmers, heightened security measures have been implemented with Delhi on high alert. Section 144 has been enforced, internet services to several districts have been disrupted, and the state borders with Delhi have been sealed.
This protest arises approximately two years after farmers concluded their year-long protest in December 2021, following assurances from the government that their demands would be considered, including guaranteed prices for all produce.
However, farmer unions contend that the Modi government has failed to fulfill its promises.
Why Protesting Again?
Not that far to recall, in 2020 the farmers stood for the protest against the three farm laws passed by the government that aimed to revise the agricultural status of the country and the farmers viewed it as unfair and life threatening. The legislation diminished the established framework of government-regulated wholesale markets (mandis), lacked legal assurances for Minimum Support Price (MSP), and enabled greater flexibility in contract farming agreements.
The then protesting farmers demanded the repeal of the laws and the implementation of legislation ensuring Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all crops to guarantee fair prices. Additionally, they requested exemption from escalating electricity bills, which further exacerbated their financial burden. After a long wait of the farmers protesting about a year, the government finally agreed to take back the laws in Nov 2021.
In a video message shared by Kisan Mazdoor Morcha coordinator Sarvan Singh Pandher said that the farmer union are marching to Delhi and have 10 demands.
#WATCH | General Secretary of Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, Sarvan Singh Pandher says, “We will start from Beas & stay at Fatehgarh Sahib. Our demands are the same- MSP guarantee law, Sugar cane should be joined with C200…When a farmer turns 60 years old he should… pic.twitter.com/gE66fIdQXz
— ANI (@ANI) February 12, 2024
What Are Their Demands?
This time the Delhi Chalo protest is being staged to demand,
- a legal guarantee to MSP for all crops,
- release of farmers and laborers from debt,
- pension for farmers,
- the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s formula,
- and withdrawal of cases against farmers during the 2020 protest.
- assurances of justice in Lakhimpur Kheri,
- pledge to exempt farmers from new electricity bills
- and exemption of farmers from pollution regulations
However, the opposition figures such as Mallikarjun Kharge, Akhilesh Yadav, Rahul Gandhi, and Deepender Singh Hooda have previously criticized the BJP government for failing to fulfill its promises and have accused them of prioritizing corporate interests over those of farmers.
Yet, despite these repeated protests, no action has been taken.
