Farmers’ Movement in India Resurges, ‘Delhi Chalo’ March Resumes

The farmers’ movement in India has sparked back to life as Punjab and Haryana farmers resumed their “Delhi Chalo” march on December 6. This action follows failed talks with the central government, leaving unresolved tensions over farmers’ demands.

Faced with resistance from Haryana’s BJP-led administration, farmers have opted for a decentralized approach, traveling to Delhi in smaller groups and on foot instead of the tractor convoys seen in earlier demonstrations. Authorities have bolstered security at Delhi’s borders and surrounding regions to deter large gatherings.

Sarwan Singh Pandher, a prominent farmer leader, criticized the government’s lack of action. “For over 10 months, we have protested peacefully, yet our legitimate demands are ignored. This march will remain peaceful unless we are provoked,” Pandher said. He warned that any restriction on their march could escalate tensions.

Earlier this year, the first “Delhi Chalo” march ended in a violent standoff in Haryana, resulting in multiple injuries and fatalities. That crackdown drew widespread condemnation and underscored the farmers’ growing dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s agricultural reforms.

The “Delhi Chalo” march has come to symbolize the farmers’ resolve against policies they claim undermine their livelihoods. Critics of the Modi administration argue that its handling of the protests reflects a broader tendency to suppress dissent.

As the march gains traction, the government faces mounting pressure to engage meaningfully with farmers to address their concerns. With the nation and international community closely watching, the outcome of this movement could have far-reaching implications for India’s agricultural policy and political stability.