Farmers’ Protest: Why Are Farmers Marching Towards The National Capital Again?

Farmers from Uttar Pradesh gathered near the Maha Maya flyover in Noida on Monday to demand a legally guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP) and other benefits. Led by the Bhartiya Kisan Parishad (BKP), the protesters aimed to march toward Parliament but faced barricades and vehicle diversions imposed by the police.

The demonstration caused traffic chaos on the Delhi-Noida border, leaving office-goers stuck in kilometre-long jams near the DND flyway, Kalindi Kunj, and Chilla borders.

Traffic Disruptions Amid Protests

Police restricted heavy vehicle movement on the Yamuna Expressway and the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway. Despite a traffic advisory, commuters faced significant delays due to diversions. Protesters broke some barricades, escalating the situation by noon.

Noida Police continued monitoring the protest site, issuing updates to manage the traffic flow. However, many commuters expressed frustration over the unanticipated disruptions.

Protests Expand Across States

The BKP protest in Noida is part of a larger movement by farmer organisations, including the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and the Samyukt Kisan Morcha. Farmers in Kerala, Uttarakhand, and Tamil Nadu plan symbolic marches to their state assemblies on December 6.

Protesters camping at the Shambhu border between Punjab and Haryana since February will also join the Delhi march on December 6. Farmer leaders announced detailed plans, including overnight stops during their journey.

Key Demands of Farmers

Farmers are seeking:

• A legal guarantee for MSP.
• Waiver of farm loans to ease financial stress.
• Pensions for farmers and agricultural workers.
• Compensation for families of farmers who died during the 2020-21 protests.
• Withdrawal of police cases filed during earlier demonstrations.
• Justice for victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence.
• Reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013.

Farmers also oppose contract farming, citing concerns over fair pricing and exploitation.

Government-Farmer Talks at a Standstill

Negotiations between farmer leaders and the Centre have remained unresolved. While the government proposed a five-year MSP procurement plan for certain crops in February, farmers rejected it.

Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee leader Sarwan Singh Pandher criticised the government for halting talks. “We demand a legal guarantee for MSP and reject contract farming,” he said.

The protests signal growing unrest among farmers dissatisfied with the government’s response. All eyes are now on Delhi as the situation unfolds.

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