The political and social discourse in India is once again dominated by the issues concerning farmers. On Thursday, January 2, 2024, Arvind Kejriwal, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener, raised serious concerns about the ongoing farmers’ protest in Punjab. Addressing the situation on the social media platform X, Mr. Kejriwal alleged that the BJP-led central government would bear responsibility “if something happens” to the fasting farmers.
Kejriwal Corners Centre on Farm Laws
The roots of the current protest lie in the farmers’ demands for a legal guarantee on Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops. Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal has taken center stage in this agitation, having been on an indefinite fast since November 26, 2023. Despite the deteriorating health condition of Mr. Dallewal, he has refused medical aid, further intensifying the urgency of the situation.
The protest has attracted farmers from various unions, including those under the banners of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. These farmers have been stationed at the Khanauri and Shambhu border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13, 2023. The agitation has also rekindled memories of the massive farmers’ protests in 2020, which resulted in the repeal of the controversial farm laws in 2021 after a year-long demonstration.
Mr. Kejriwal’s post on X accused the BJP of attempting to reintroduce the repealed farm laws under the guise of a new policy framework. “The Centre is preparing to implement the now-revoked three farm laws ‘through the backdoor’ by calling it a ‘policy’,” he wrote. According to him, the government has already circulated copies of this new “National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing” to all states for feedback.
Criticizing the central government’s alleged arrogance, he stated, “Why does the BJP have such arrogance that it does not even talk to anyone?” The AAP supremo warned that the BJP’s reluctance to engage with the protesting farmers could have dire consequences. “If something happens to them, the BJP will be responsible for it,” he cautioned.
The Supreme Court’s Involvement
The protest has also caught the attention of the Supreme Court of India. The apex court is currently addressing a case against the AAP-led Punjab government for allegedly failing to comply with directives to hospitalize Mr. Dallewal. On Thursday, the court criticized the state government and certain farmer leaders for creating a “false impression” in the media about attempts to end Mr. Dallewal’s fast.
Punjab Advocate General Gurminder Singh refuted these allegations, asserting that efforts are being made to persuade Mr. Dallewal to accept medical aid without breaking his fast. However, the court’s comments have added another layer of complexity to the already volatile situation.
The Draft Policy: A Controversial Move
The AAP-led Punjab government has expressed strong opposition to the “National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing,” labeling it an attempt to reintroduce the repealed farm laws. The contentious draft policy has sparked widespread apprehension among farmers and political leaders alike.
This policy, as alleged by critics, includes provisions that mirror the repealed laws, such as facilitating private sector involvement in agricultural markets and allowing contract farming. These provisions were among the primary reasons for the massive protests in 2020. Farmers fear that such measures could undermine the traditional mandi system and leave them vulnerable to exploitation by large corporations.
Farmers’ Demands and Government Response
The protesting farmers have outlined several key demands:
- Legal Guarantee on MSP: Farmers insist on a legally binding assurance that crops will be procured at MSP, safeguarding their financial stability.
- Withdrawal of the Draft Policy: They demand the immediate withdrawal of the proposed agricultural marketing framework.
- Addressing Farmer Welfare: Protesters are calling for more robust measures to support small and marginal farmers.
Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, addressing the media, stated that the government would act as per the Supreme Court’s instructions. However, he refrained from committing to any direct negotiations with the protesting farmers, further fueling discontent.
The indefinite fast undertaken by Mr. Dallewal has raised serious health concerns. Medical experts have warned that prolonged fasting without medical intervention can lead to irreversible damage or even death. Despite these warnings, Mr. Dallewal remains resolute, embodying the determination of the protesting farmers.
Public sentiment is divided, with some hailing Mr. Dallewal as a symbol of resistance, while others urge him to prioritize his health. Social media platforms are abuzz with messages of support, prayers for his well-being, and demands for the government to take immediate action. The ongoing protest is reminiscent of the massive farmers’ agitation in 2020, which led to the repeal of three controversial farm laws. These laws were initially introduced to reform agricultural markets but were met with widespread opposition. Protesters argued that the laws favored corporate interests at the expense of farmers’ livelihoods.
After months of demonstrations, blockades, and clashes, the government repealed the laws in November 2021. However, the current controversy surrounding the draft policy suggests that the underlying issues remain unresolved. The indefinite fast by Jagjit Singh Dallewal and the larger farmers’ protest highlight the ongoing struggle for agricultural reforms in India. As tensions escalate, the central government faces mounting pressure to address the farmers’ concerns and engage in meaningful dialogue. At the heart of this issue lies the question of balancing modernization with the protection of farmers’ rights and livelihoods.
The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but a resolution is imperative to ensure the well-being of millions of farmers who form the backbone of India’s agrarian economy.