Amid the ongoing agitations by the various farmers unions, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) has announced a series of actions to pressure the Union Government into addressing farmers’ demands, including a law guaranteeing Minimum Support Price (MSP), loan waivers, and the withdrawal of the National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing (NPFAM).
The decisions were taken in a meeting of the SKM leaders and they have decided to escalate the agitation. As per the SKM leader a delegation will urge Chief Ministers across states to pass Assembly resolutions rejecting the NPFAM and to write to the Prime Minister demanding immediate talks with farmer organizations. SKM also plans statewide Kisan Mahapanchayats, beginning with a major gathering in Patna on February 11.
The committee announced a nationwide one-day dharna on January 20 outside MPs’ offices, urging them to pressure the Union Government. Farmers have also been called upon to hold week-long rallies and candlelight processions in their villages, highlighting their demands. On January 26, central trade unions and farmers will join a massive tractor parade to mark the anniversary of the 2020-21 farmers’ agitation.
Haryana on Alert for Delhi March
On the other hand, farmer leaders associated with the SKM (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have announced a new Delhi Chalo march on January 21, sending a group of 101 farmers from the Shambhu border. Sarvan Singh Pandher, speaking at the Shambhu border, urged farmers to unite, vowing to continue the agitation until the government enacts an MSP law. Haryana authorities are on high alert following past confrontations. In December 2024, farmers’ attempts to cross police barricades at the Shambhu border were thwarted using tear gas and mild force. This marks the fourth such march since February 2024, when police stopped a similar effort.
Dallewal’s Health Deteriorates
Meanwhile, farmers expressed anguish over Punjab government’s claims in the Supreme Court that Dallewal’s health is improving. Leaders revealed that his weight has dropped from 86.9 kg to 66.4 kg, with critical kidney and liver function tests showing alarming results. “If fasting improves health, why not close hospitals and put patients on hunger strikes?” the farmer leaders asked in a statement. The farmers’ leaders claimed that the government deliberately presents test results in the Supreme Court that take a longer time to show deterioration. For instance, red blood cells contain hemoglobin, and the average lifespan of red blood cells is 120 days, so a decline in hemoglobin isn’t noticeable within 52 days of fasting.
