Amidst the ongoing agrarian demonstrations in the capital, Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda extended a plea to the protesting farmers and affiliated organizations, urging them to uphold tranquility.
“I earnestly beseech the agrarians and their affiliated entities participating in this protest to maintain a state of peace. Our trajectory should progress from dialogue to resolutions. Continual discourse on this matter is imperative. The collective aspiration is harmony, and collaboratively, we ought to ascertain a resolution to this predicament,” he articulated.
“Efforts were made to deliberate the government’s standpoint, and multiple propositions were put forth. Although it has come to our knowledge that the farmers find the propositions unsatisfactory, the discourse should persist, and a harmonious resolution must be sought,” added the Union Minister. Reflecting on the farmers’ disapproval of the government’s Minimum Support Price (MSP) proposal, Munda emphasized the embrace of constructive perspectives.
“We aspire for benevolence, and diverse perspectives are welcome as we consistently embrace constructive viewpoints. However, the avenue to render that perspective fruitful lies solely in dialogue. Through dialogue, a resolution is undoubtedly attainable,” he affirmed.
Following the Center’s proposition for the acquisition of crops at MSP, farmers rebuffed the proposal on Monday evening, contending it lacked benefits for them. Meanwhile, in anticipation of the farmers’ ‘Delhi Chalo’ march scheduled for February 21, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher directed criticism towards the Center, asserting that the government is obstructing farmers from entering Delhi, insisting that farmers should be permitted to proceed with their march on Wednesday.
Sarwan Singh Pandher, a prominent farmer leader, remarked, “The government’s intent was unambiguous—they were resolute in preventing our entry into Delhi at any cost. If a resolution through dialogue with farmers is not sought, we should be allowed to march towards Delhi. As we advanced towards Delhi, there was shelling, and bullets were employed on the tractors’ tires. The DGP of Haryana has refuted the use of tear gas on farmers.”
“We demand accountability for those employing such means. Erroneous statements are being disseminated. The situation in Haryana parallels that of Kashmir. On February 21, we will march towards Delhi. The government has tabled a proposal, attempting to divert us from our original demands. The government will bear responsibility for the ensuing repercussions,” Pandher declared. Addressing a press gathering, another farmer leader, Jagjit Singh Dallewal, conveyed that the forums rejected the MSP proposal following deliberation.
“After scrutinizing both forums, it has been concluded that upon analysis, the government’s proposal lacks substance. Our government imports palm oil worth Rs 1.75 crore, causing harm to the general populace. If these funds were allocated to our country’s farmers for cultivating oilseed crops and MSP was announced, the funds could be redirected here. This does not align with the interests of the farmers. We outright reject it,” he asserted.
“If the government does not furnish a legal guarantee for MSP, it implies that the country’s farmers will continue to be exploited. This is intolerable,” he added. Following the fourth round of talks, the General Secretary of Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, Sarvan Singh Pandher, affirmed that the farmers will persist with the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march on February 21, emphasizing that discussions on the government’s MSP proposal will also be held.
Consequently, the farmers are set to continue their ‘Dilli Chalo’ march on February 21. The agitating farmers from Punjab have articulated diverse demands, including an ordinance to ensure legal assurances for MSPs and the alleviation of loans. Despite earlier meetings between ministers and farmer leaders on February 8, 12, and 15, a conclusive resolution remained elusive.
