Thousands of farmers in India are marching towards the capital, New Delhi, to demand higher minimum crop prices and fairer conditions. This protest, known as 'Delhi Chalo' or 'March to Delhi', is reminiscent of the agitation that started in late 2020 against three farm bills that threatened to undermine government support for India's agricultural sector. This protest lasted over a year and resulted in hundreds of deaths, eventually leading to the repeal of the laws by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government.
Long lines of tractors gathered on the borders between the capital and the neighboring Haryana state. In response, the police have erected barricades.
Farmers, due to their large numbers, hold significant political influence in India. This march, scheduled for Tuesday morning, comes just months before the 2024 general elections and could become a critical election issue.
Farmers are demanding a law guaranteeing a minimum support price (MSP) for their crops, a promise the government made in 2021, but has allegedly failed to keep. They are also calling for the implementation of recommendations made by the Swaminathan commission between 2004-06, which focused on farmer distress and rising farmer suicides. The commission recommended pensions, debt waivers, and farmer healthcare, among other things.
After several rounds of discussions on Monday, the government agreed to withdraw the cases against the farmers registered during the 2020-21 agitation. However, discussions on the remaining demands have not been successful.
"Farmers from across the country are prepared to march on Delhi starting Tuesday if the government doesn't meet our demands," Swaran Singh Pandher, leader of a nationwide farmers' association, told AFP.
Source: www.dw.com