Farmers to resume ‘Delhi Chalo‘ march today.
A group of 101 farmers is set to resume their ‘Delhi Chalo’ march today, heading towards the national capital to demand better agricultural policies and support for farmers. This march, initially started to raise awareness about the challenges faced by farmers, comes at a time when agrarian distress is at its peak. The marchers will be making their way to Delhi, where they plan to stage protests and engage with government officials to push for their demands.
The farmers are particularly focused on issues such as the implementation of fair minimum support prices (MSP), debt relief, and the repeal of laws they believe are detrimental to their interests. Their primary goal is to draw the attention of policymakers to the ongoing struggles faced by farmers in the country.
Despite the ongoing discussions around the situation, the farmers are determined to make their voices heard through this march. Supporters from various states are expected to join along the way, amplifying the movement’s reach. The farmers’ resolve and their commitment to fighting for their rights have made this march a significant event in the ongoing struggle for agricultural reforms in India.
Farmers in India are once again gearing up to resume their ‘Delhi Chalo’ foot march on Saturday, continuing their fight for the fulfilment of long-standing demands. The group of 101 farmers, led by various farmer organizations, will head towards the national capital, marking the next phase of their ongoing protest. The farmers are primarily demanding a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops, as well as loan waivers, which they say are crucial for the survival of the agricultural community in India. This protest, which has now entered its tenth month, highlights the sustained pressure being put on the government to address the distress faced by farmers across the country.
The marchers will be making their way to Delhi despite significant challenges, as their earlier attempts to reach the capital were blocked by security forces. Since February 13, farmers have been camping at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana, where they set up temporary bases in defiance of government roadblocks. These farmers have been at the forefront of a movement that seeks to secure better conditions for farmers, particularly in relation to the pricing of agricultural produce, loan-related concerns, and the overall agricultural policy of the government.
This protest is being organized under the banners of two prominent farmer unions, Samyukta Kisan Morcha and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. These organizations have led the charge against the agricultural reforms introduced by the government in recent years, which they argue have been detrimental to the interests of farmers. They are now focusing their efforts on securing legal protection for MSP, ensuring that it becomes a binding commitment rather than a discretionary decision by the government. The demand for loan waivers is also central to their cause, as farmers continue to struggle under the burden of debt, especially in the wake of crop failures and fluctuating market prices.
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher, who has been vocal in advocating for the cause, announced the decision to resume the march towards Delhi, emphasizing that the movement had the full support of the farmers. He also mentioned that farmers had prayed at Sikh shrines in both Punjab and Haryana to seek blessings for the success of their efforts and to show their solidarity with the broader farmer community. These prayers were seen as an important part of the protest, reflecting the deep spiritual and cultural connection that many farmers have to their land and their fight for justice.
At the same time, there are concerns about the health of some of the protestors, particularly farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal. Dallewal, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike for over 18 days at the Khanauri border, is reported to have suffered a significant deterioration in his health. His weight has reportedly decreased, and his blood pressure has become unstable, leading to growing concerns from both his family and medical professionals. Despite his frail health, Dallewal has remained resolute in his commitment to the protest, and his condition has added a layer of urgency to the farmers’ demands.
The farmers’ resolve remains unshaken, despite efforts by the Haryana Police to prevent them from advancing towards Delhi. In previous weeks, the police invoked prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to justify their actions, which included using force to block protestors and prevent them from marching towards the capital. However, the farmers, undeterred by these obstacles, have made it clear that they intend to continue with their protests until their demands are heard in Parliament.
The government’s handling of the ongoing farmer protests has sparked widespread debate and controversy. While the government has argued that the agricultural reforms were intended to modernize farming and benefit farmers in the long run, critics argue that these changes disproportionately favor large corporations and undermine the security of small farmers. The protests, which began more than a year ago, have resulted in clashes between farmers and police, road blockades, and a continuous standoff at various border points around Delhi. Despite multiple rounds of negotiations, no concrete resolution has yet been reached.
The situation has become more politically charged as the marchers approach Delhi, and there are fears that it could spark further unrest. The farmers are determined to make their voices heard in front of Parliament, demanding that their concerns be addressed urgently. With political parties across the spectrum offering varying degrees of support to the farmers, the situation is increasingly drawing national attention.
The issue at the heart of the protests is the future of India’s agricultural policy. The farmers have expressed concerns that without a legal guarantee of MSP, they will continue to face unfair market prices for their crops, leaving them unable to recover the costs of production. Additionally, many farmers have been pushed into deep debt due to poor yields and rising input costs. The demand for loan waivers reflects the dire financial situation that many farmers find themselves in.
As the march resumes, it is clear that the farmers’ struggle is far from over. The support from within the agricultural community remains strong, with farmers from various regions across the country continuing to back the movement. The ‘Delhi Chalo’ march, now in its tenth month, shows the farmers’ unwavering commitment to securing a better future for themselves and for India’s agriculture sector. With each passing day, the stakes continue to rise, and the outcome of this protest could have far-reaching consequences for agricultural policy in the country.
This latest chapter in the ongoing farmer protests underscores the deep-rooted issues within India’s agricultural system and the urgent need for reform. The farmers’ demands for a legal guarantee of MSP, loan waivers, and better support systems are not just about economic relief but about securing a sustainable future for agriculture in the country. As the farmers march forward towards Delhi, their voices grow louder, and their resolve stronger, demanding that the government listen to their concerns and act on their behalf.