Farmers reject new MSP proposal, resume Delhi march Feb 21. In the midst of escalating farmer protests. The central government’s proposal on Minimum Support Prices (MSP) has ignited controversy and drawn scrutiny from farmer leaders.
On Monday, the farming community expressed strong disapproval of the central government’s latest proposition regarding the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops, asserting that it did not serve their interests. In response to this, they declared their intention to restart their ‘Delhi Chalo‘ march on the morning of February 21. Farmer leaders articulated concerns over the lack of clarity in the proposed plan. Emphasizing the need for MSP assurance across all 23 crops, highlighting that the focus should extend beyond just: pulses, maize, and cotton crops.
Challenges and Criticisms Arise Amid Talks and Protests:
During the fourth round of talks on Sunday between the central government and the farmers:
Following the discussions, farmer leaders announced a temporary halt to the march towards Delhi for two days. On Monday, Jagjit Singh Dallewal, a leader of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political). Criticized the government for importing palm oil worth Rs 1.75 lakh crore. He suggested that allocating this amount. Allocating the amount to domestically cultivated oilseeds would greatly benefit farmers. Dallewal expressed concerns that the government’s proposal would primarily benefit farmers.All the farmers who switch from rice grains to pulses between crop cycles.
Regarding future engagements with the government, Dallewal stated:
That there are currently no scheduled meetings but emphasized the farmers’ readiness for dialogue.
He appealed to the government to address the farmers’ demands or permit peaceful protests in Delhi, urging protestors to refrain from violence.
Additionally, the leaders reported that 400 farmers sustained injuries during police action at the Punjab-Haryana border. Disputing the Haryana DGP’s denial of pellet gun usage. Dallewal called for the Supreme Court’s intervention to address the farmers’ injuries.
Criticism was also directed at the Punjab government for imposing an internet ban until midnight on February 20. The farmers questioned whether this action was mandated by the central government and demanded clarification on why written orders were issued to broadband service providers for the ban.
