In the fertile plains of Khanauri border, a scene of grim irony unfolds as farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal's frail body fights a silent war for justice. Fifty days into his hunger strike, tractors stand resilient in protest, while the corridors of power remain indifferent, lost in bureaucratic oblivion. It’s as if a mere fluttering leaf would send their political thrones trembling, yet the cry of the farmer falls on deaf ears. The real drama? The thrones are occupied, and the farmers tormented.
Caught Between A Rock and A Hard Place
This isn't a plea for bargaining—it’s a fight for dignity. The farmers' demand is straightforward: implement the recommendations of the government-appointed MS Swaminathan Commission and guarantee Minimum Support Prices (MSP). They're not asking for the impossible—a mere assurance that traders and corporations won’t exploit their produce for a pittance. Is it too much to seek fair compensation when their lives literally depend on it?
The irony is glaring. The government readily waives off billions for corporate giants but hesitates when it comes to relieving farmers of their crushing debts. For the wealthy: open vaults; for the farmers: locked doors. Why does the mere thought of farmer debt relief rattle the establishment, when the same government has no qualms about bailing out corporate tycoons?
While farmers continue to toil and protest, their rightful demands gather dust alongside broken political promises. The horizon of hope for an assured MSP fades with every passing day.
Festivities for Some, Desperation for Others
As the nation revels in festivities—sharing sweets and joy for Lohri, Makar Sankranti, and Pongal—a grim reality persists on the capital’s borders. The farmer, who makes these celebrations possible, battles despair and neglect. The bitter truth: the hands that feed the nation are excluded from its joy.
Sleeping Lions and Silent Spectators
Farmer leaders are prepared to sacrifice their lives, yet many farmer organizations remain in a state of hibernation. Their silence begs the question—have they lost their purpose or succumbed to political maneuvering? At a time when their existence is threatened, their irrelevance looms larger than ever.
"When Rome Burned, Nero Played His Fiddle"
The government’s refusal to engage meaningfully with protesting farmers is bewildering. A court's intervention may offer temporary respite, but lasting solutions lie in political will and open dialogue, not litigation.
A New Definition of Sensitivity
The ongoing hunger strike highlights the urgent need for government accountability and farmer unity. Saving Dallewal’s life should be the priority for all involved. Silence will not erase the stain of his sacrifice from history's pages.
As the National Coordinator of the All India Farmers’ Association (AIFFA), Dr. Rajaram Tripathi calls for positive engagement between the government and farmers. Dialogue, not division, must be the bridge to progress.
Dialogue, Not Division: The Need of the Hour
The choice is stark—either bridge the gap between farmers and the state or risk an irreversible breakdown of trust. Ignoring the plight of the very hands that feed this nation is not just shortsighted; it’s a step toward ruin. Respecting the farmer's toil is not just justice—it is the essence of democracy.
