Opposition unites in support of farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' protest
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New Delhi: Opposition parties have united to support farmers protesting for key demands, including a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP), loan waivers, and reforms to improve agricultural conditions. The 'Delhi Chalo' march, led by farmers primarily from Punjab and Haryana, has drawn attention to their plight under the banners of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha.
On Sunday, the protest escalated when Haryana Police used tear gas to disperse farmers at the Punjab-Haryana border, leaving at least eight injured. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher confirmed that one protester required urgent medical attention at Chandigarh's PGIMER.
The march, which began from the Shambhu Border on National Highway 44, faced heavy resistance, including multilayered barricades, welded wire mesh, and paramilitary forces. Protesters were halted by security measures and forcefully prevented from progressing towards Delhi.
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Opposition leaders have condemned the government’s handling of the protest, accusing it of anti-farmer policies. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi remarked that the government continues to act against farmers' interests despite its claims to the contrary. Highlighting the protests against the now-repealed farm laws, she noted that over 700 farmers lost their lives during those demonstrations, which forced the government to retract the laws. Despite this, she said, the government has not fulfilled its promise of a legal guarantee for MSP, leading to the current protests.
Chaturvedi criticized the use of tear gas and lathi charges on peaceful protesters and highlighted the government’s approach as contradictory, claiming that while it professes to support farmers, it continues to work against their welfare.
Congress MP Pramod Tiwari described the Centre's actions as a breach of trust, pointing out that promises made to farmers remain unfulfilled even after a year of their protests. He said the government’s treatment of farmers, who are often referred to as "gods of the earth," undermines its own credibility. Tiwari also emphasized the peaceful nature of the protests and accused the government of deliberately avoiding dialogue.
Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav alleged that the government’s fear of farmers was evident in its oppressive measures, which included barricades, nails on roads, and the use of tear gas. He stated that such actions highlight the government's reluctance to engage with the farmers' demands.
The Haryana Police, equipped with water cannons and tear gas, deployed extensive security measures, including paramilitary forces and multilayered barricades, to block the march. Authorities also suspended Internet and bulk messaging services in parts of Ambala, imposed prohibitory orders restricting gatherings, and shut schools for the day.
The march reflects farmers' growing frustration over unmet demands despite repeated assurances from the government. The use of force has intensified their grievances and drawn widespread criticism from political leaders and civil society.
The state of unrest mirrors earlier attempts by farmers in February to march to Delhi, which were also thwarted. The farmers remain steadfast in their demand for constitutional guarantees for MSP and other relief measures, despite the escalating tensions and confrontations.
With IANS inputs