Reacting to the ongoing ‘Delhi Chalo’ march by farmers, former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Kamal Nath highlighted the injustice faced by farmers who do not receive minimum support price (MSP) for their produce. Speaking to reporters, Nath emphasized that 70 percent of the state’s economy is based on agriculture, with farmers playing a crucial role in contributing to the economy. He stated, If farmers don’t get MSP, this is an injustice that has been done to them continuously. Their minimum demand is that of MSP. It is very essential.
Addressing the issue of police arresting farmers, Nath acknowledged that such actions would be taken to suppress the matter. However, he emphasized that the farmers would not sit back and stay silent.
The ‘Delhi Chalo’ protest has been organized by the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha and Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, led by farmer union leaders Jagjeet Singh Dallewal and Sarwan Singh Pandher. The farmers have presented 12 demands to the central government, their primary request being the implementation of a law guaranteeing MSP for all crops, as recommended by the Swaminathan Commission report.
Furthermore, the farmers are demanding a complete waiver of debts and the establishment of a pension scheme for farmers and farm laborers. They have also urged for the withdrawal of the Electricity Amendment Bill 2020 and the reintroduction of the Land Acquisition Act of 2013, which ensures consent from farmers and provides compensation at four times the collector rate. Other demands include justice for those involved in the Lakhimpur Kheri killings, enhanced employment opportunities under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, compensation for farmers’ families affected by the 2021 protests, and job opportunities for family members.
In anticipation of the ‘Delhi Chalo’ protest, extensive security measures have been put in place at the borders of the national capital. The farmers’ grievances and demands continue to resonate as they strive for fair treatment and the fulfillment of their basic rights.
