Farmers' March to Delhi Blocked Amid Clashes Over MSP Demands

The ongoing protests by a group of farmers, primarily from Punjab, who have been camped at the Shambhu border between Punjab and Haryana since February 2024 has gained momentum as farmers attempt to march towards Delhi, demanding a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their crops, along with other significant issues such as farm debt waivers, pensions for farmers and farm labourers, and justice for victims of past violence against farmers.

On December 8, 2024, a group of 101 farmers attempted to resume their march to Delhi but were met with heavy police resistance, including the use of tear gas and barricades, which led to injuries among the protesters. The Haryana Police cited prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, which restricts gatherings of more than five people, as the reason for halting the march.

The farmers, organized under the banners of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, have expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the central government regarding their demands and have vowed to continue their protests until their issues are addressed.

The situation at the Shambhu border remains tense, with heightened security measures in place to prevent further escalation.

Jargon

Minimum Support Price (MSP): A government-set price at which it purchases crops from farmers, intended to ensure that farmers receive a fair income and are protected from price fluctuations.
Kisan Mazdoor Morcha: A farmers’ union in India that represents the interests of farmers and agricultural workers, advocating for their rights and demands.
Samyukta Kisan Morcha: An umbrella organization of various farmers’ unions in India, formed to collectively address agricultural issues and advocate for farmers’ rights.

Viewpoints 💭

‘Left’ Viewpoint

Ideological Differences

‘Right’ Viewpoint

The left views the farmers’ protest as a legitimate struggle for economic justice, emphasizing the need for a legal guarantee of MSP to protect farmers from market volatility.
They criticize the government’s use of force, such as tear gas and barricades, as an infringement on democratic rights and a failure to engage in meaningful dialogue.
The left highlights the broader socio-economic issues faced by farmers, including debt burdens and inadequate pensions, advocating for comprehensive agrarian reforms.
They accuse the central government of neglecting farmers’ demands and failing to implement recommendations like those from the M.S. Swaminathan report.
The left supports the farmers’ call for justice in cases of past violence, such as the Lakhimpur Kheri incident, and demands accountability from the authorities.

The left perceives the farmers’ protest as a fight for economic justice and protection against market forces, while the right views it as a challenge to law and order, emphasizing the need for security and stability.
While the left criticizes the government’s use of force as undemocratic, the right justifies it as necessary to maintain public order and prevent disruptions.
The left advocates for comprehensive agrarian reforms and debt relief, whereas the right focuses on market-driven solutions and economic modernization in agriculture.
The left accuses the government of neglecting farmers’ demands and failing to implement key recommendations, while the right highlights the government’s efforts to engage in dialogue and support farmers through MSP assurances.
The left supports the farmers’ call for justice in past violence cases, viewing it as a matter of accountability, while the right sees the protests as politically motivated, potentially influenced by external forces.

The right emphasizes the need for law and order, supporting the use of prohibitory orders and security measures to prevent disruptions caused by the protests.
They argue that the government’s offer to purchase produce at MSP demonstrates a commitment to farmers, suggesting that dialogue is a better approach than protests.
The right views the protests as politically motivated, with accusations of external forces attempting to destabilize the region and influence national security.
They stress the importance of economic growth and modernization in agriculture, advocating for reforms that encourage efficiency and market-driven solutions.
The right criticizes the opposition for politicizing the issue and accuses them of using the protests to undermine the government’s efforts to implement agricultural reforms.

Prominent Voices 📣

From the ‘Left’

From the ‘Right’

Rahul Gandhi (Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha): Condemned the government’s insensitivity towards farmers, supporting their demands for MSP guarantees and loan waivers. ¹ ²
Sarwan Singh Pandher (Farmer leader): Criticized the central government for lack of communication and harsh treatment of farmers, emphasizing the peaceful nature of the protest and the need for a legal guarantee for MSP. ³ ⁴
Alka Lamba (Congress leader): Urged public support for farmers’ demands, including loan waivers and fair prices, criticizing the government’s insensitivity. ⁴
Partap Singh Bajwa (Congress Leader): Condemned the excessive use of force by the Haryana government against farmers, highlighting injuries from tear gas. ⁵
Dr. Udit Raj (Congress Leader): Criticized the government’s handling of the farmers’ march as undemocratic and urged coalition with marginalized groups. ²

Ayyakannu (United Farmers Front member from Tamil Nadu): Voiced frustration over the government’s inaction on MSP and loan rights, criticizing both Congress and BJP for not implementing the MS Swaminathan report. ⁶ ⁷
Jagjit Singh Dallewal (Farmer leader on hunger strike): Continues his fast unto death, highlighting the farmers’ demands and criticizing the government’s inadequate response. ⁸ ⁹
Tejveer Singh (Farmer leader): Questioned the need to stop farmers from marching peacefully and criticized the central government’s stance. ⁸ ¹⁰
Baldev Singh Zira (Farmer leader): Called the police’s actions a ‘drama’ and criticized the use of force against peaceful protesters. ⁸
Surjit Singh Phul (Farmer Leader): Participated in discussions with police to ensure a peaceful demonstration. ¹¹

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Shivraj Singh Chouhan (Union Agriculture Minister): Reiterated the government’s commitment to MSP and criticized the opposition’s stance on the issue. ¹² ¹³
Nayab Singh Saini (Haryana CM): Denied political motives in the farmers’ issue and criticized Congress for politicizing the situation. ²
Jitan Ram Manjhi (Union Minister): Described the farmer march as a ‘political pretense’ and emphasized the government’s readiness for talks. ⁴ ²
Kamlesh Paswan (Minister of State for Rural Development): Emphasized dialogue as the solution and highlighted the Modi government’s efforts for farmers. ¹⁴
Bhagirath Choudhary (Union Minister): Encouraged farmers to engage in dialogue rather than marching, emphasizing the government’s openness to discussions. ¹⁵

Krishna Kumar Bedi (Haryana State Minister): Claimed the protesters were from Punjab and had minor issues to be resolved. ¹²
Varinder Kumar (Haryana Police DSP): Justified the police action as necessary to maintain law and order, citing discrepancies in the number of protesters. ⁸

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