Protests Resume
Farmers' protests have resumed at Delhi borders with renewed demands for a legal MSP guarantee, debt waiver, and implementation of promises made during the 2020-21 farm laws movement.
Current Demands
What farmers want:
Key Demands
| Demand | Rationale |
|---|---|
| Legal MSP | C2+50% formula guarantee |
| Debt waiver | Farm loan relief |
| Land acquisition | Better compensation |
| Pension | For farmers |
| Swaminathan report | Full implementation |
Movement Leadership
Who's leading:
Organizations
| Group | Role |
|---|---|
| SKM (some factions) | Support |
| Kisan Mazdoor Morcha | Active |
| Punjab farmer unions | Core |
| Pan-India | Building support |
2020-21 Movement
Previous protest:
History
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Laws passed | September 2020 |
| Protests begin | November 2020 |
| Laws repealed | November 2021 |
| Promises made | By government |
Unfulfilled Promises
What wasn't done:
Pending Issues
| Promise | Status |
|---|---|
| MSP committee | Formed but outcomes unclear |
| Cases withdrawal | Incomplete |
| Compensation | Partial |
| Legal guarantee | Not enacted |
Government Position
Official stance:
Response
| Statement | Position |
|---|---|
| MSP | Continues to procure |
| Legal guarantee | Cautious |
| Dialogue | Offered |
| Concerns | Fiscal impact |
Punjab Factor
State dynamics:
Punjab Focus
| Factor | Status |
|---|---|
| Farmer population | Largest |
| Political importance | High |
| State government (AAP) | Supportive rhetoric |
| Entry points | Border blockades |
Delhi March Attempts
Recent events:
Confrontations
| Event | Outcome |
|---|---|
| February 2024 | Stopped at borders |
| March attempts | Blocked |
| Casualties | Some deaths reported |
| Tensions | Periodic |
Economic Issues
Agricultural challenges:
Farmer Distress
| Problem | Status |
|---|---|
| Input costs | Rising |
| Prices | Volatile |
| Debt | Accumulated |
| Climate | Unpredictable |
Political Dimension
Election context:
Implications
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Punjab politics | Central issue |
| Haryana | Farmer vote important |
| UP | Western belt significant |
| National | BJP strategy |
MSP Mechanism
Current system:
How MSP Works
| Aspect | Current Status |
|---|---|
| Announcement | Government declares |
| Procurement | Selected crops |
| Legal status | Not mandatory |
| Coverage | Limited crops effectively |
Looking Ahead
Movement trajectory:
Scenarios
- Continued agitation
- Gradual dialogue
- Election-time escalation
- Policy changes possible
- Long-term movement
The farmers' movement continues to be a significant political force, particularly in northern India, with unresolved demands keeping tensions alive.
