Farmer leaders reject government’s MSP proposal, and protests resume with “Delhi Chalo” on 21st February

Farmer Leaders Reject Government’s Proposal

In an ongoing deadlock between the government and farmers, the ‘Delhi Chalo’ agitation leaders rejected the government’s proposal to buy pulses, maize, and cotton at minimum support prices (MSP). This rejection comes after the fourth round of talks held on Sunday between a panel of three Union ministers and farmer representatives.

Farmer Leaders’ Discontent with Government’s Offer

While farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal acknowledged discussions on the government’s proposal, he emphasized that there was nothing favorable for farmers in the proposal. He stated, “After the discussion of both forums, it has been decided that if you analyze, there is nothing in the government’s proposal…This is not in favor of farmers. We reject it.”

Contention over Minimum Support Prices (MSP)

The primary point of contention remains the demand for MSP on all 23 crops, as emphasized by the farmers. The proposed government plan included the purchase of pulses, maize, and cotton crops at MSP for five years after entering into an agreement with farmers.

Samyukta Kisan Morcha’s Rejection of the Offer

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), which led the 2020-21 stir, dismissed the offer, stating it sought to “divert and dilute” the farmers’ demand for MSP. The SKM insisted on nothing less than the ‘C-2 plus 50 per cent’ formula for MSP, as recommended in the Swaminathan Commission report.

Additional Farmer Demands

Aside from MSP, Farmer leaders are advocating for the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations, pension for farmers and laborers, farm debt waiver, no hike in electricity tariff, withdrawal of police cases, justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence, reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, and compensation to the families of farmers who died during the previous agitation in 2020-21.

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Government Talks and Farmer Leaders’ Response

Union minister of commerce and industry Piyush Goyal, agriculture and farmer welfare minister Arjun Munda, and minister of state for home affairs Nityanand Rai conducted the talks with the farmer leaders during the more than four-hour-long meeting on Sunday. Farmer leaders, however, remained steadfast in their rejection of the government’s proposal.

Resumption of ‘Delhi Chalo’ Protest

As the impasse continues, the farmers’ ‘Delhi Chalo’ protest is set to resume on February 21, with hopes of resolution diminishing. The SKM rejected the government’s offer, urging the government to address all farmer demands and condemning police action against protestors at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points.

Extending Protests and Further Demands

Haryana Police had used tear gas shells to disperse farmers on Friday, leading to clashes between protestors and police personnel. The SKM also demanded the release of detained farmers and the restoration of mobile internet services in seven districts of Haryana, extending the scope of their protests with planned demonstrations at BJP offices in the state on February 21.