In a pivotal movement that showcases the spirit of resistance amidst Indian farmers, thousands from northern states such as Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, have started a definitive ‘Chalo Delhi’ march towards the national capital. Prior to the march, a dialogue that spanned over a five-hour period was held with key central figureheads – Piyush Goyal and Arjun Munda – but ended without a tangible solution, paving the way for the anticipated protest march, foreseen to paralyze Delhi NCR on Tuesday.
Despite Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda’s optimism that a consensus had been reached on numerous issues, the unwavering farmers emphasized their resolution to proceed with the march the following day. This insistence arrives with a set of demands led by a legal assurance for minimum support price (MSP) for their crops, aligning with the enactment of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations and a call for farm debt relief. Two prominent farmer organisations, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, are fronting the upcoming protest.
Even as the farmers gear up for their peaceful protest, the atmosphere tightens, given the judicial interplay that surfaced on Monday. Uday Pratap Singh, rooted in Panchkula, has propelled a legal challenge against the stringent measures taken to seal borders, particularly deeming the Shambhu border near Ambala, beseeching the court to intervene against the actions that he considers a violation of democratic principles. The fact that Haryana has taken steps to not only seal borders but also suspend crucial communication like mobile internet services and bulk SMS across several districts only amplifies the gravity of the situation. A court hearing is expected to shed light on these developments on Tuesday.