Protest at Ramlila Maidan: Farmers Speak Out Against Govt Inaction

The Mahapanchayat, orchestrated under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), amalgamated factions from the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU)

Farmers from various organizations convened at Ramlila Maidan, rallying against the central government’s failure to fulfill its electoral pledges. Their grievances encompassed unmet commitments such as the implementation of Swaminathan Commission recommendations and the assurance of Minimum Support Price (MSP).
The Mahapanchayat, orchestrated under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), amalgamated factions from the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), left-leaning agrarian groups, and diverse farmer associations. In a decisive move titled “Against the corporate, communal dictatorial regime,” SKM launched a nationwide protest against the BJP.

They underscored the government’s disregard for the accord struck on December 9, 2021, stipulating MSP at C2+50% with guaranteed procurement across all crops. Furthermore, they decried the absence of comprehensive loan waivers amidst a distressing surge in farmer suicides. The rapid privatization of electricity was also condemned, alongside demands for justice regarding the farmers slain in Lakhimpur Kheri.
Addressing the gathering, farmer leader Balbir Singh Rajewal affirmed, “We stand united to convey to the government our collective resolve.” He rebuked the government’s contention that providing MSP would impose an undue financial strain, contrasting it with the forgiveness of loans extended to corporate entities. Rajewal quipped at the government’s portrayal of the era as an “Amrit Kal” (Golden Age), characterizing it instead as a period of darkness for the nation.

Nevertheless, the Mahapanchayat precipitated various traffic constraints, leading to sluggish vehicular movement around ITO, Delhi Gate, and Daryaganj. Commuters endured prolonged waits for buses at these junctures, aggravated by diversions enforced by the traffic police. In anticipation of the event, the Delhi Police orchestrated comprehensive security measures, deploying both local law enforcement and paramilitary forces to ensure crowd control and public safety at Ramlila Maidan.