Farmers’ Return to Delhi: Contrasting the Current Protest with the 2020-21 Movement

Introduction:
• The resurgence of farmers’ protests heading towards Delhi in 2024 marks a significant shift from the previous yearlong agitation of 2020-21. Not only are the demands different, but also the leadership behind the movement has undergone notable changes. This article delves into the key distinctions between the two protests, shedding light on the current farmers’ agitation and its leadership.
Divergence in Demands:
• The ongoing farmers’ protest in 2024 is orchestrated by more than 250 farmers’ unions under the banners of the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political). Unlike the previous movement, which primarily focused on compelling the central government to retract its agricultural reforms, the current protest places emphasis on a distinct set of demands.
Leadership Dynamics:
• Unlike the leadership structure of the 2020-21 agitation, the current protest sees the absence of familiar faces. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) emerged as a separate entity from the original Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) in 2022, under the coordination of Jagjit Singh Dallewal. Similarly, the KMM, led by Sarwan Singh Pandher, represents a breakaway faction from the 2020-21 movement.
Demands and Objectives:
• The farmers’ 12-point agenda articulates a comprehensive array of demands, including the enactment of a law to ensure minimum support prices (MSP) for all crops, full debt waivers, and justice for victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri incident. These demands reflect a nuanced approach to addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by farmers across India.
Government Response and Escalating Tensions:
• While the government claims to maintain an “open mind” towards the farmers’ demands, the situation on the ground reveals escalating tensions. Despite rounds of talks between farmers’ representatives and Union ministers, the deployment of barricades and heavy security measures along the Delhi borders signifies a looming confrontation.
Political Landscape and Support:
• The political landscape surrounding the protest remains complex, with parties like AAP and Congress extending their support, while BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal maintain a conspicuous silence. The involvement of various political entities adds another layer of complexity to an already volatile situation.
Conclusion:
• As farmers’ tractors advance towards Delhi once again, the contours of the protest landscape have evolved significantly since the 2020-21 agitation. With divergent demands, altered leadership dynamics, and mounting tensions, the current protest underscores the enduring resilience of farmers in their struggle for socio-economic justice.