A Comparative Analysis: Current Farmers’ Agitation vs. Previous Protest

Farmers: The ongoing farmers’ agitation, characterized by the ‘Chalo Delhi’ march, marks a resurgence in the farmers’ movement with a new set of demands. This movement holds significant distinctions from the previous agitation that occurred in 2020 and led to the eventual repeal of contentious farm laws by the Union government in 2021.

1. Focus of the Agitation:

• Current Agitation (2024): Farmers in the current agitation demand the enactment of a law guaranteeing a minimum support price (MSP) for crops, alongside the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations, pension for farmers and laborers, farm debt waiver, and justice for victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence.
• Previous Agitation (2020): The 2020 agitation primarily opposed three central farm legislations, which farmers labeled as ‘black laws.’ The central contention was the perceived threat to the existing MSP system and concerns about the corporatization of agriculture.

2. Participants and Support:

• Current Agitation (2024): The ‘Chalo Delhi’ march sees participation from farmers across Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh, with over 200 farmer groups and unions joining the protest. The agitation has garnered support from various quarters, including political parties like the Congress.
• Previous Agitation (2020): The protest in 2020 mainly involved farmers from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Although it received widespread support from farmer unions and some opposition parties, it did not witness as broad a coalition of supporters as the current agitation.

3. Government Response and Dialogue:

• Current Agitation (2024): Despite several rounds of talks between farmer leaders and Union ministers, consensus has not been reached on key demands. The government has intensified security measures at the Delhi borders, reflecting the ongoing stalemate in negotiations.
• Previous Agitation (2020): Initially, the government engaged in talks with farmer representatives but faced criticism for its handling of the situation. The agitation gained momentum over time, leading to prolonged negotiations and the eventual repeal of the laws.

4. Duration and Impact:

• Current Agitation (2024): The ‘Chalo Delhi’ march indicates a sustained effort by farmers to push for their demands. Its impact is reflected in the heavy traffic congestion and heightened security measures at Delhi borders, underscoring the significance of the protest.
• Previous Agitation (2020): Lasting for over a year, the 2020 agitation had a profound impact on national discourse and agricultural policymaking. It culminated in the repeal of the contested farm laws, marking a significant victory for the protesting farmers.

Conclusion: The current farmers’ agitation, exemplified by the ‘Chalo Delhi’ march, represents a continuation of the struggle for agrarian rights and economic justice. While similarities exist with the previous agitation, the current movement also presents distinct objectives, participants, and dynamics. Understanding these differences is crucial for comprehending the evolving landscape of farmer protests and their implications for agricultural reform in India.

Farmers:

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