Farmers Prepare for Massive ‘Delhi Chalo’ March: What Are Their Main Demands

The Delhi police have installalled nails along with barricades to prevent farmers from entering the city.

As the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march gains momentum, protesting farmers are set to commence their journey today, pressing the Central government to address their longstanding grievances. Primary among these demands is the enactment of legislation guaranteeing a minimum support price (MSP) for crops, which serves as a vital safety net for farmers grappling with market uncertainties.

Other significant points of contention revolve around the repeal of the Electricity Act 2020, seeking justice and compensation for farmers killed in Lakhimpur Kheri, and the withdrawal of legal cases against individuals involved in the farmers’ movement. While some agreements were reached on these issues following late-night discussions, farmers remain resolute, emphasizing that promises made by the government two years ago remain unfulfilled.

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During discussions, the government signaled its willingness to withdraw cases against farmers filed during the 2020-21 agitation, addressing one of the farmers’ concerns. However, the insistence on a legal guarantee for MSP underscores its pivotal role in their demands. Despite the government proposing the formation of a committee to deliberate on MSP guarantees, debt waivers, and the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations, farmer representatives remain skeptical of the government’s commitment.

The spectrum of farmers’ demands extends beyond these key points, encompassing issues such as the restoration of the Land Acquisition Act 2013, withdrawal from the World Trade Organization, and compensation for families of farmers who lost their lives during previous protests.

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As the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march progresses, security measures at Singhu, Ghazipur, and Tikri Borders have intensified. The Delhi police have implemented stringent measures, including the installation of nails along barricades and the use of cranes and earthmovers to block roads, aiming to deter protesting vehicles from entering the city.

Naiteek Bhatt