The resurgence of the Farmers Protest, now termed “Farmers Protest 2.0” or “Delhi Chalo,” marks a renewed agitation by farmers from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. This movement comes nearly two years after the previous protests at Delhi borders, which ultimately led to the repeal of three contentious farm laws in 2021. However, despite the government’s concessions, unresolved issues, particularly concerning the legal guarantees for the Minimum Support Price (MSP), have prompted farmers to mobilize once again.
Scheduled to commence at 10 am, the Delhi Chalo march has garnered significant attention, with over 200 unions spearheading the movement. However, the Haryana government’s preemptive measures, such as erecting fences around the state, reflect attempts to prevent a recurrence of the 2020-21 protests, signaling the contentious nature of the impending demonstrations.
Comparing Farmers Protest 2.0 to the previous agitation reveals several noteworthy differences and similarities:
- Agenda: While the 2020 protests primarily focused on opposing the three farm laws, which were subsequently repealed, Farmers Protest 2.0 seeks additional demands. These include legal guarantees for MSP across all crops, full debt waiver for farmers, pension benefits, implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s formula, and withdrawal of cases against farmers from the 2020 protests.
- Leadership and Union Representation: Unlike the unified leadership of Bhartiya Kisan Union and Samyukt Kisan Morcha in 2020, Farmers Protest 2.0 sees a more diversified representation from various unions. Prominent leaders like Rakesh Tikait and Gurnam Singh Charuni have been joined by figures like Jagjit Singh Dallewal and Sarwan Singh Pandher in leading the current agitation.
- Government Response and Negotiations: While the previous protests resulted in the withdrawal of cases against protesters, the absence of legal MSP guarantees remained unresolved. In contrast, the government has initiated negotiation processes even before the commencement of Delhi Chalo 2.0. Meetings between farmer leaders and Union ministers have already taken place, indicating a proactive approach to addressing grievances.
- Security Measures: The administration’s response to Farmers Protest 2.0 reflects heightened security measures compared to 2020. Stringent measures, including the installation of barbed wire, cement barricades, and restrictions on entry into Delhi, underscore the government’s efforts to maintain law and order. Additionally, the Haryana government’s decision to close borders with Punjab further highlights the seriousness of the situation.
The resurgence of the Farmers Protest in the form of Delhi Chalo 2.0 underscores the persistent challenges faced by farmers and the unresolved nature of key agricultural reforms. As farmers mobilize once again to assert their demands, the government’s response and willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue will determine the trajectory of this renewed agitation and its implications for India’s agricultural sector.