As farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s indefinite hunger strike at Khanauri border in Sangrur district of Punjab enters the 37th day, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s statement that the government will abide by the Supreme Court’s directions on farmers’ demands is condemnable. The farmers under the banner of the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), are spearheading the struggle putting forward, among others, two important demands, i.e., a legal guarantee for purchasing their crops at a minimum support price (MSP) and a farm loan waiver.
A goverment having any concern for the farmers should have accepted these minimum demands through ensuring legal guarantee for them. The apex court’s task is to examine the Constitutional validity of such laws. Hence this move on the part of the fascist regime, which has no qualms to go to any extent in serving corporate agribusiness companies, as was proved in the case of draconian Farm Laws, is a cunning move shirking its duties.
Therefore, while resolutely condemning Modi government’s anti-farmer approach, CPI (ML) Red Star stands in solidarity with both the farmers organisations and agricultural workers unions who are camping on the inter-State boundary of Punjab and Haryana since February 13, 2024. We also call upon all progressive-democratic forces to rise up in solidarity with the farmers and the indefinite strike of farmer leader Dallewal.
P J James
General Secretary
CPI (ML) Red Star
New Delhi
02.01.2025
