Government Faces Foreboding Warning from Farmers as Talks Collapse; Delhi Chalo March to Resume Tomorrow

New Delhi: Following the rejection of the Centre’s offer to purchase pulses, maize, and cotton at MSP by farmers leading the ‘Delhi Chalo’ movement, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher issued a stern warning to the BJP-led government, holding it accountable for the unfolding events.

In the wake of failed negotiations with the government, the protesting farmers declared their determination to press forward with their march towards Delhi on Wednesday, February 21.

Pandher asserted on Tuesday morning that the government’s stance was unequivocal in its refusal to permit their entry into Delhi. “The government’s intentions were crystal clear – they were adamant on barring our entry into Delhi… If they’re unwilling to seek resolution through dialogue with farmers, then we should be allowed to proceed towards Delhi,” he stated to ANI.

Citing the extraordinary measures taken by the police to obstruct their march, Pandher drew parallels between the situation in Haryana and that of Kashmir. “As we advanced towards Delhi, we faced shelling… Bullets targeted the tractors’ tires… Despite the DGP of Haryana claiming no use of tear gas on farmers, if such actions are occurring, those responsible must be held accountable… The conditions in Haryana resemble those in Kashmir. On Feb 21, we will march towards Delhi… The government’s proposal aimed at diverting us from our core demands… They will bear the consequences of their actions,” he emphasized.

In the latest round of discussions with farmer representatives, a tripartite panel of Union ministers suggested the procurement of pulses, maize, and cotton by government agencies at MSP for a span of five years.

However, the protesting farmers rebuffed the government’s proposition on Monday, asserting it as an attempt to sidetrack and weaken their demand for MSP. They reiterated their steadfast adherence to the recommendations outlined in the Swaminathan Commission report.

Pandher reiterated yesterday that the government should permit their peaceful progression towards Delhi. “We plan to move towards Delhi peacefully at 11 am on February 21,” he affirmed.

The farmers persist in demanding legislation to ensure MSP for all crops, while the government argues that MSP on all crops would strain the national treasury.

Earlier this month, teargas shells were fired at the protesting farmers in BJP-ruled Haryana by the police.

Pandher remarked on Monday that the farmers did not breach barricades and sought to advance towards Delhi peacefully. They sought a venue for their protest at Jantar Mantar, but the government turned a deaf ear.

“Our sole objective is to have our demands met, but if the government remains unresponsive, we are left with no choice. On one side stand the farmers, on the other, the ‘jawans’ (police and paramilitary). We abhor violence. If the government resorts to oppression, the people of the country will question whether such authority should remain in power,” Pandher asserted.

The demonstrators additionally demand farmer pensions, debt forgiveness, and reinstatement of the 2013 Land Acquisition Act, among other requisites.