‘Delhi Chalo’ Farmers schedule for February 21; farmer leader Sarwan Singh criticizes Centre

In anticipation of the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march by farmers scheduled for February 21, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher criticized the Centre, claiming that the government is preventing farmers from entering Delhi and insisting that they should be allowed to proceed with their march on Wednesday. Pandher expressed concern over the government’s apparent resistance to farmers entering Delhi and emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution through discussions. He stated, “The intention of the govt was very clear that they would not let us enter Delhi at any cost.” Pandher also highlighted alleged instances of force, stating, “When we moved towards Delhi, shelling happened… Bullets were also used on the tyres of the tractors.”

Rejecting the Centre’s proposal to purchase crops at Minimum Support Price (MSP), farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal declared that the proposal had nothing substantial for the farmers. He argued that the government’s offer lacked sufficient benefits for farmers and criticized the absence of a legal guarantee for MSP. Dallewal expressed the farmers’ position, saying, “If the government is not giving legal guarantee of MSP, it means that the farmers of the country will continue to be looted. This is not acceptable.”

After the fourth round of talks, General Secretary of Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee Sarvan Singh Pandher affirmed that the farmers would proceed with the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march on February 21. The farmers also discussed the government’s proposal on MSP during the talks. Farmer leader Gurnam Singh Charuni emphasized the inclusion of oil seeds and Bajra under the MSP, warning of Haryana’s participation in the agitation if the government does not agree by February 21.

In summary, despite several rounds of talks, the farmers remain steadfast in their demand for legal guarantees for MSP and loan waivers, and the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march is set to continue on February 21.