New Delhi: On Friday, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan assured Parliament of the Narendra Modi government’s unwavering commitment to procuring farmers’ produce at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). His statement came as members of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political faction) launched their ‘Dilli Chalo’ march.
More than 100 farmers began their march from Shambhu, near the Haryana-Delhi border, only to encounter several layers of police barricades on National Highway 44. The situation escalated into a tense standoff, with sporadic clashes breaking out between the farmers and security forces.
Footage from news agency ANI showed a large group of farmers and supporters waving flags and chanting slogans, standing before metal barriers and a bus blocking the road. Cops stationed in the bus looked on passively.
In another video, some farmers managed to break through the first line of barriers, with a yellow police fence dented on the road. Farmers, some holding the national flag, gathered outside the parked bus.
The situation remains tense, with reports indicating that tear gas has been deployed to control the crowd. The current ‘Dilli Chalo’ protest, which has been ongoing since January, continues to escalate.
Ahead of the march, mobile internet and bulk messaging services were suspended in parts of Ambala district until December 9. Local authorities have also banned gatherings of five or more people and ordered the closure of government and private schools for the day.
This protest aims to highlight farmers’ long-standing demands for a legal guarantee on MSP, loan waivers, and protection from rising electricity tariffs.
The demand for a legal guarantee on MSPs has been a central issue since the protests began in September 2020. MSP refers to a government-set price intended to protect farmers from sharp drops in crop prices, particularly during bumper harvests. However, without legal backing, farmers argue that the government is not obligated to purchase their produce at these prices.
As the farmers gathered at Shambhu border for their protest, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Chouhan reaffirmed the government’s commitment to purchasing crops at MSP.
The ongoing protests have gained significant political traction, with the opposition voicing their support. Their cause was further amplified by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, who raised concerns about the government’s unfulfilled promises to farmers. At a public event on Tuesday, Dhankhar questioned the Agriculture Minister, asking, “Every moment is important… what was promised to farmers, and why was the promise not fulfilled?”
