As farmers’ ‘Delhi Chalo’ march intensifies, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi pledges crucial support by announcing that, if elected, the party will provide a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) to every farmer in accordance with the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations. This significant move comes amid heightened tensions and concerns raised by the farming community.
In a post on social media platform X, Rahul Gandhi addressed farmers, stating, “Farmer brothers, today is a historic day! Congress has decided to give a legal guarantee of MSP to every farmer on crops as per the Swaminathan Commission. This step will change the lives of 15 crore farmer families by ensuring their prosperity. This is the first guarantee of Congress on the path of justice.”
Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the Central government’s approach, describing it as “dictatorial.” He accused the Modi government of attempting to stifle the voices of farmers, highlighting the use of barbed wire, tear gas, drones, and other measures. Kharge emphasized that the Congress party stands in solidarity with the farmers’ movement and pledged unwavering support.
Kharge criticized the Modi government for allegedly breaking three promises made to the farmers over the past decade, including the commitment to double farmers’ income by 2022, implementing Input Cost + 50 per cent MSP, and providing legal status to MSP.
Expressing resilience, Kharge declared, “Now the time has come to raise the voice of 62 crore farmers. Today Congress party will raise the voice of ‘Kisan Nyay’ in Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh. We provide full support to the farmers’ movement. Will not be afraid, will not bow down!”
In the backdrop of these announcements, Haryana police detained several protesting farmers attempting to march towards Delhi. The visuals depicted farmers using tractors and hand weapons to breach multi-layered barricades. Police responded with tear gas and water cannons, leading to confrontations between law enforcement and protestors.
The ongoing protest, organized by Sanyukt Kisan Morcha and Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, is led by prominent farmer union leaders Jagjeet Singh Dallewal and Sarwan Singh Pandher. The farmers, discontented with unfulfilled promises, are demanding a law guaranteeing MSP for all crops, complete debt waiver, pensions for farmers and farm laborers, and the scrapping of the Electricity Amendment Bill 2020. Additionally, they advocate for the reintroduction of the Land Acquisition Act of 2013, ensuring farmer consent and compensation at four times the collector rate.
The farmers’ march and demands underscore the persistent challenges in the agricultural sector, prompting political leaders like Rahul Gandhi to take a stand in support of the farming community.
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