After the most forgetful year which forced everyone to press their reset buttons, the New Year should hopefully bring in some cheer if the claims of various vaccine manufacturers are to be believed. 2020 was a year marred by the Covid-19 pandemic where normal life was thrown out of gear and fear took over. The economic condition of various countries including India became worse with millions of people losing their jobs or facing huge salary cuts. No one could have ever imagined that wearing a mask or staying indoors would become a way of life but that is how things unfolded. However, with the dawn of 2021, there is optimism and people are confident of resuming their normal lives with a bit of adjustments regarding their schedules. It is needless to say that it would still take time for the financial situation to exhibit signs of improvement. The critical issues that confront the government in the immediate future pertain to the ongoing farmers’ agitation on the Delhi-Haryana borders. There have been several rounds of talks with no solution in sight since the farmers are adamant that the farm laws must be repealed which the government is unwilling to accept. In this tussle, thousands of farmers braving the intense cold wave sweeping north India are camping in the open, some with even their families and children. The agitation has had some repercussions on political situation, especially in Haryana, where ministers have been stopped from entering parts of the state by the protestors. Obviously, in a democracy, a focused dialogue is the only way of moving forward and unless both sides show some degree of flexibility, no solution can be found. In fact, the situation could worsen and lead to either needless use of force or some more farmers dying due to overexposure to the challenging weather conditions that are emerging.
The farmers are accusing the government of trying to divide their peaceful agitation by introducing players who have nothing to do with their demands. On its part, the government has been talking in multiple voices where some ministers have been praising the kisans and calling them our “annadatas” while some others are alleging that Maoists, Naxals and Khalistanis have infiltrated into the ranks of the farmers and are trying to provoke the protestors. The Opposition parties too have found an opportunity to dabble in politics and are now questioning the real motives of the Centre by stating that the laws were brought in to help the corporate sector. While this spat is going on, the country is suffering. There are so many other things that need to have urgent attention such as the resumption of classes in schools. Online education is fine but it is not a substitute for school education. Businesses have suffered and even within the government, the efficiency of several ministries has come down. Therefore, in order to allow the present dispensation to tackle various issues thrown up by the pandemic, it is important to resolve as many things as possible. It is in the nation’s interest that the farmers’ issue must be taken to its logical conclusion and settled to the satisfaction of both sides.