In a significant development ahead of the fourth round of talks with Union ministers, farmers on Saturday emphasized the need for the Centre to enact an ordinance ensuring a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP). The ongoing protests, marked by a ‘Delhi Chalo’ march, have seen farmers pressing their demands, including MSP assurance, at the borders of Punjab.
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Stalemate in Talks with Farmers
The meeting scheduled for Sunday involves Union ministers Arjun Munda, Piyush Goyal, and Nityanand Rai, along with farm leaders from Punjab. Despite previous rounds of talks on February 8, 12, and 15, no conclusive resolution has been reached, leading to heightened tensions. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have been steadfast in their pursuit of farmers’ rights.
Call for Urgent Action
Addressing the media at the Shambhu border, farm leader Sarwan Singh Pandher called for immediate action, asserting that the Centre could bring an ordinance overnight if it desired to resolve the farmers’ protest. Pandher specifically demanded an ordinance providing a legal guarantee to MSP, a crucial component of the farmers’ demands.
Modalities and Swaminathan Commission’s Recommendation
Regarding the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendation of “C2 plus 50 percent,” Pandher argued that the government’s current pricing mechanism, based on the “A2 plus FL” formula, could be accommodated through an ordinance. He further commented on the issue of farm debt waiver, stating that the government’s assessment of loan amounts could be streamlined by collecting data from banks, emphasizing the need for political willpower.
Leaders Echo Urgency
Jagjit Singh Dallewal, another prominent farmer leader leading the ‘Delhi Chalo‘ march, echoed Pandher’s sentiments, urging the government to bring an ordinance with the intention of immediate implementation. Dallewal proposed that within six months, such an ordinance could be transformed into law, providing a tangible solution to the farmers’ concerns.
Solidarity Protests Across States
Simultaneously, various farmer groups staged protests across states in solidarity with the ongoing agitation. BKU (Ekta Ugrahan) conducted dharnas outside the residences of senior BJP leaders in Punjab, while simultaneously, the Bhartiya Kisan Union (Charuni) organized a tractor march in Haryana. These actions underscored widespread support for the farmers’ cause, with the demand for MSP assurance taking center stage.
Local Protests in Haryana and Punjab
In Haryana, Gurnam Singh Charuni-led BKU (Charuni) organized tractor marches at multiple locations, emphasizing the need for unity among farmers. Meanwhile, BKU (Ekta Ugrahan) held dharnas outside the residences of former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, BJP’s Punjab unit chief Sunil Jakhar, and senior party leader Kewal Singh Dhillon in Punjab.
Nationwide Protests Planned
Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait has revealed intentions for farmers to organize dharnas in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Uttarakhand on February 21. Tikait emphasized the necessity of a legal guarantee for MSP and indicated the possibility of a tractor march to Delhi in late February if the government fails to meet farmers’ demands.
Protests Beyond Borders
In Tamil Nadu, approximately 100 farmers faced arrest at Thanjavur railway station during a ‘rail roko’ protest, condemning police actions against the ongoing farmers’ agitation at Punjab-Haryana borders.
Maintaining Calm Amidst Uncertainty
As the protests continue, with no reported confrontations between protesters and Haryana security personnel on Saturday, farmer leaders stress the importance of maintaining calm at the borders. Protesting farmers are advocating for key demands, including a legal assurance for Minimum Support Price (MSP), the enactment of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations, pension for farmers and laborers, farm debt relief, and the dismissal of police cases related to the prior farm agitation in 2020-21.
Conclusion
The outcome of the upcoming talks remains uncertain, with the farmers’ persistence underscoring the significance of addressing their concerns for a comprehensive resolution. The demand for a legal guarantee for MSP stands firm, symbolizing the farmers’ unwavering commitment to securing their rights amidst a challenging negotiation process.
