The much-expected 6th round of talks between the farmers’ unions and the Central Government resulted in two agreement areas: non-penalizing the farmers over stubble burning and retaining the electricity concessions. The more contentious MSP issue as a legal guarantee and repeal of the farm laws will be discussed in the 7th round and expectedly the last.
It is a relief to see the farmers emerging from the meeting far less tensed than from the earlier meetings. There was more bonhomie, and friendly gestures as the Union Agricultural Minister joined the farmers during their ‘langar’ lunch. Some farmer leaders even sought selfies with the political leaders. The 6th meet reflected a trust, after the earlier acrimonious and fruitless meets. Both parties to the meet realized the need and necessity of each other.
Much of the outcome’s partial success owes to the farmers, who firmly resisted repeated attempts by the opposition political parties to cash in and precipitate a crisis. A few attempted to foment trouble for embarrassing PM Modi, regardless of the ignominy to the nation. A few over-zealous from the government even stated that the leftists and the Maoists hijacked the farmers’ movement. A few others talked of an international conspiracy. The farmers held on stoically and without reacting adversely and keeping all leaders at bay. They also did not allow media to hijack their movement. My salutes to all.
I must add the mellowing Union Government, which stands firm on the non-withdrawal of the Farm Acts, has agreed to repeatedly sit, discuss, and sort out any disagreements with the farmers. A lobby of political leaders in the guise of farmers and corporates might have chipped into the melee, fearing loss of their business empires.
The changing geopolitical situation in the world is worth noticing. The farmers’ protest was against legitimate Indian laws and a wholly internal matter of India. Soon, there was open criticism from Canada, UK, USA, Australia and New Zealand, which is a cause of alarm.
The Indian government could have avoided its discomfiture, had it engaged in a discussion and allowed a debate on the amendment of the farm laws. No matter how noble the government’s intentions could be, the Indian opposition decries any reforms initiated by the BJP government. It is too much to expect from the opposition, who even had doubted the Pulwama attacks and the Balakot retaliation by India.
I hope the strike ends, to the satisfaction of all and the farmers return to their homes soon.
Sampath Kumar
Intrépide Voix
Pic: Union Agri Minister Tomar at lunch with the farmers
