New Delhi: Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher announced that no groups of farmers will continue their planned foot march to Delhi on Tuesday. This decision comes as the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) convener accused the central government of being confused about how the protesters should proceed. “No ‘jatha’ will be going tomorrow,” Pandher stated, indicating that the next steps would be determined in a meeting of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and KMM scheduled for Tuesday.
The agitation, which saw farmers attempting to march from the Shambhu border towards Delhi, was suspended on Sunday following violent clashes with Haryana security forces. Protesters faced teargas shelling as they sought to cross the Punjab-Haryana border, leading to several injuries.
Pandher criticised the BJP-led government for its contradictory stance, highlighting that Haryana BJP chief Mohan Lal Badoli suggested farmers use buses or trains to reach Delhi instead of marching on foot. He pointed out the inconsistency, noting that after being advised not to use tractor trolleys for their march, the farmers complied, only to be redirected once more. “This shows a lack of consensus among them and highlights their incapability to handle the situation,” he remarked.
“Haryana BJP chief Mohan Lal Badoli is asking farmers to use buses or trains to reach the national capital instead of going on foot. They (BJP leaders) themselves are confused. First, Union minister and BJP leader Ravneet Bittu, along with the Haryana agriculture minister, asked us not to use tractor trolleys for our march. When we obliged and decided to reach Delhi on foot, they are suggesting to use buses and trains. This shows a lack of consensus among them and highlights their incapability to handle the situation,” Pandher said.
The farmer leader emphasised that many farmers from other states had been detained while attempting to travel to the national capital earlier this year. He asserted that the government’s refusal to allow even small groups of farmers to march shows their unwillingness to engage in dialogue or address their demands.
“When farmers are not even being allowed to foot march to the national capital, and that too in small groups, it is very clear that farmers won’t be allowed to reach the national capital at any cost. BJP leaders should understand that we also don’t want to go to the national capital provided that our demands are met. The government is not engaging in any dialogue,” said Pandher.
When questioned about the protests despite Punjab and Haryana farmers receiving minimum support prices (MSP) for paddy and wheat, Pandher clarified that their fight is for a legal guarantee of MSP. He explained that while MSP is announced for various crops, many are sold below this price nationwide, affecting farmers significantly. The current situation has forced many in Punjab to sell their produce at lower rates due to market constraints and moisture content issues.
Meanwhile, farmer leader Jagjeet Singh Dallewal remains on a hunger strike at the Khanouri border, having reportedly lost 11 kilograms. Pandher visited him on Monday, revealing Dallewal’s health concerns related to his liver and kidneys.
Farmers have been camped at Shambhu and Khanauri borders since February 13, demanding not only a legal guarantee for MSP but also debt waivers, pensions for farmers and laborers, no electricity tariff hikes, withdrawal of police cases, and justice for victims of past violence.
In response to the ongoing crisis, Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan criticized the Centre for its indifference towards the farmers’ genuine demands and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to engage in meaningful dialogue to resolve the issues at hand.
