‘Dilli Chalo’ to be resumed from Wed as farmers reject Centre MSP proposal

The protesting farmers have decided to continue their agitation from Wednesday after rejecting the Central government’s proposal for MSP on only three crops, specifically pulses, maize, and cotton, stating that it does not adequately address their demands.

Meanwhile, the Centre stated that the farmers' demand for MSP for all 23 crops would cost the exchequer a hefty amount of Rs 1.75 lakh crore.

Following a meeting held on Monday evening, prominent figures from various farmer unions, including the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Sidhupur) and the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, announced their decision to resume the 'Dilli Chalo' protest on Wednesday at 11 am.

Jagjit Singh Dallewal, leader of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Sidhupur), expressed dissatisfaction with the Centre's proposal, emphasizing the need for a legal guarantee of MSP across all 23 crops. "We stand by our demand of legal guarantee for MSP on all 23 crops," Dallewal affirmed during a press briefing, underscoring the unwavering stance of the farmer leaders.

Sarvan Singh Pandher, general secretary of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the urgency of their demands. "We will start marching towards Delhi. We should be allowed to protest. We have every right to launch an agitation," Pandher asserted, highlighting the determination of the protesting farmers.

The farmer leaders criticized the government's intent, alleging discrepancies in the proposed MSP framework. Pandher accused the government of attempting to implement contract farming under the guise of diversification, a move perceived as unfavourable to the farmers.

"This is a reflection on the intent of the government. We want the government to make a proposal on all crops," Pandher stated, emphasizing the need for comprehensive MSP legislation.

The proposal put forward by the Centre, which includes MSP for pulses, maize, and cotton through cooperatives, failed to garner approval from the farmer leaders. Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the benefits of diversification during discussions but faced criticism from the farmer leaders who deemed the proposal insufficient.

Despite the presence of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann at the meeting with Union ministers, farmer leaders expressed disappointment at the lack of concrete action on their grievances. Dallewal lamented the ongoing use of force against protesters in Punjab and called for accountability from state authorities.

The rejection of the Centre's offer by farmer leaders underscores the deep-rooted discontent among agricultural communities regarding MSP and related policies. The demand for a legal guarantee of MSP on all crops remains a central point of contention, reflecting the enduring resolve of farmers in their pursuit of economic security and fair treatment.

Meanwhile, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, a coalition of farmer unions, reaffirmed their support for the 'Dilli Chalo' protest and rejected the Centre's offer as an attempt to divert attention from their core demand for MSP based on the 'C-2 plus 50 per cent' formula, as recommended in the Swaminathan Commission report.