Farmers Rev Up Protests as Elections Approach, but BJP Unfazed
As the second phase of India’s general elections nears, farmers in Punjab are escalating their ongoing demonstrations, demanding a legal guarantee for minimum support prices (MSPs). While the protests reflect the farmers’ unwavering conviction, their impact on the election outcome appears negligible.
The Farmers’ Plight
Despite their significant contribution to India’s economy, farmers face perilous market fluctuations that threaten their livelihoods. Their foremost demand is an MSP, which ensures a government-set minimum price at which crops can be purchased, protecting them from financial ruin.
The MSP, they argue, should be determined according to the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations, which call for a 50% profit margin over production costs. Additionally, they seek loan waivers, pensions, wage increases, and guaranteed employment.
Protests Fall Short of 2020 Movement
The current protests, centered around the Shambhu and Khanauri borders between Punjab and Haryana, pale in comparison to the massive demonstrations of 2020, which forced the government to revoke controversial farm laws. This time, barricades, police, and paramilitary forces have restrained the demonstrations’ scale.
Despite their limited visibility, farm leaders allege government suppression, accusing authorities of preventing farmers from bringing vehicles to Delhi and detaining their supporters from other states.
BJP Positions Firm
Despite the protests, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has steadfastly refused to acknowledge the farmers’ demand for MSP, even as it seeks a third term in office. While some opposition parties have included the demand in their manifestos, their impact on the elections remains uncertain.
Surveys indicate that the BJP’s electoral victory is imminent, with voters prioritizing the government’s “good work” over farmers’ grievances.
Farmers’ Concerns Dismissed
Farm leaders contend that their demands are not new and that the government has repeatedly promised to address them in the past. However, economists and some government advisors dismiss their demands as economically unfeasible, arguing that they would strain the economy and disrupt the agricultural sector.
Arun Kumar, an economist, counters that the MSP guarantee would only be triggered when prices fall below a certain level, limiting its financial burden on the government.
Dissenting Voices Stifled?
Amidst the protests, farm leaders express concern that the government is attempting to contain the demonstrations to Punjab, portraying them as a local issue. They allege that farmers from other states have been detained while trying to participate in the protests.
A group of farmers from Tamil Nadu joined the protests in Delhi to express solidarity and announced plans to file nominations against Prime Minister Modi in his constituency.
Farmers’ Resolve Unwavering
Despite the challenges, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, the coalition organizing the protests, remains steadfast in its resolve. While they recognize the political nature of the elections, they assert that their demands are non-partisan and should be addressed in all political manifestos.
The farmers’ plight has resonated with many citizens, who express sympathy for their cause. However, how these sentiments translate into electoral support remains to be seen as India’s general elections enter their crucial phase.
Data sourced from: cnbc.com
