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The ongoing farmers' protest at the Punjab-Haryana border continues to escalate, with farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s 39-day hunger strike becoming a focal point. Dallewal, who is on an indefinite hunger strike demanding a legal guarantee on minimum support prices (MSP) for crops, has appealed to farmers across the country to join a ‘Kisan Mahapanchayat’ at the Khanauri protest site on January 4th, 2024. His plea, delivered in a 70-second video message, underscores the urgency and intensity of the farmers' demands. He explicitly states his desire to see the participants (“darshan”) highlighting the importance of widespread public support to bolster their movement. The call for the Mahapanchayat aims to consolidate the farmers' strength and pressure the central government to concede to their demands. The prolonged hunger strike, despite the Punjab government's repeated offers of medical assistance, demonstrates Dallewal’s unwavering commitment to his cause and the gravity of the situation for the protesting farmers.
The farmers’ agitation, spearheaded by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, has been ongoing since February 13th, 2023. Their march to Delhi was blocked by security forces, leading to the establishment of protest camps at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points. The prolonged nature of the protest underscores the deep-seated grievances of the farmers and their determination to secure a legal guarantee on MSP, which they view as crucial for their economic survival and the future of agriculture in India. The farmers’ unwavering stance contrasts sharply with the central government’s perceived inaction, which is described by farmer leaders as ‘stubborn.’ This stalemate highlights the significant political and social implications of the farmers' protest and the challenges involved in resolving the issue. The involvement of various political parties from Punjab, including the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the opposition Congress, further underlines the wider political context of the farmers' demands.
The Supreme Court's involvement in the situation adds another layer of complexity. While the court has expressed concern for Dallewal’s health and urged the provision of medical aid, it explicitly denies issuing any directives to end his fast. This clarification emphasizes the judiciary's focus on the humanitarian aspects of the situation while carefully avoiding direct interference in the ongoing political dispute. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s statement that the government will act in accordance with the Supreme Court's instructions further indicates the government’s cautious approach, deflecting direct responsibility for engaging with the protestors. The farmers, however, maintain that their demands are directly related to the central government and should be addressed without involving the courts. This divergence in perspectives highlights the impasse and underscores the difficulties of finding a mutually acceptable solution. The ongoing hearing before the Supreme Court, therefore, plays a crucial role in shaping the narrative and potentially influencing the course of events.
Dallewal’s personal sacrifice underscores the intensity of the farmers’ plight. He has refused medical aid despite his deteriorating health, and his open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi compares the fight for MSP to the fundamental right to live. This act of self-sacrifice is intended to pressure the government into action, likening the refusal to provide MSP to a disregard for the livelihoods and survival of the farmers. This strategy of civil disobedience and direct action has been used by Dallewal on several occasions in the past, but the current prolonged fast marks an unprecedented step. The transfer of his properties before the commencement of the fast also highlights the gravity of his decision and his resolve to fight for the farmers' cause. His background as the president of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta Sidhupur) and his previous involvement in the 2020 farmers’ stir against contentious agriculture laws – later repealed – further highlight his deep commitment to the agricultural sector and the welfare of farmers across India.
The political ramifications of the protest extend beyond the immediate demands. The involvement of various political parties, the Supreme Court's scrutiny, and the national media attention underscore the significance of the issue. The event at Khanauri on January 4th will serve as a critical turning point. A large turnout could significantly amplify the pressure on the central government. The outcome could potentially reshape the political landscape, with implications for the upcoming elections and the government's handling of farmers’ concerns. The long-term consequences of this protest and its impact on agricultural policy in India are substantial, highlighting the ongoing tension between farmers' demands for economic security and the government's approach to agricultural reform.
The farmers’ demands for a legal guarantee on MSP represent a fundamental challenge to the existing agricultural policy framework. The current system relies on market forces, leaving farmers vulnerable to price fluctuations. The protestors argue that a legal guarantee on MSP is essential to ensure a minimum level of income and prevent farmers from being driven into debt and despair. The government’s response, or lack thereof, highlights the deeper challenges in balancing economic growth with the welfare of a significant section of the population heavily reliant on agriculture. The future of agricultural policy in India will be significantly impacted by the outcome of this protest, potentially affecting food security, rural livelihoods, and the overall economic stability of the country. The continued hunger strike of Dallewal, coupled with the massive farmer participation on January 4th, creates a critical juncture that will dictate the future discourse and policy decisions concerning the welfare of farmers in India.
Source: Dallewal appeals to farmers to reach Khanauri on January 4 for 'Kisan Mahapanchayat'