Opposition reminds govt of farm law protests: ‘People will be on streets’

The recent caution from the opposition, invoking the spectre of the past Farm Law protests, serves as a powerful reminder of the deep-seated sensitivities surrounding agricultural policy in India. This allusion is not merely a political tactic; it underscores the significant influence of public movements and the enduring challenges in reforming a sector that employs a substantial portion of India's workforce.

**Background Context: The Genesis of the Farm Laws and Farmer Discontent**

In September 2020, the Indian Parliament passed three contentious agricultural laws: the Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020; the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020; and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020. The government's stated aim was to modernize India's agricultural sector, boost farmers' incomes by allowing them to sell produce outside regulated 'mandis' (Agricultural Produce Market Committees - APMCs), and attract private investment. It argued that these laws would break the cartelization of APMCs, reduce intermediaries, and give farmers more choices.

However, a large section of farmers, primarily from Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh, viewed these laws with deep suspicion and apprehension. Their fears centered on the potential dismantling of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system, the corporatization of agriculture, and the eventual weakening of the APMC mandis, which they saw as crucial safety nets. They feared that without the protection of MSP and APMCs, they would be at the mercy of large corporations, leading to exploitation and diminished bargaining power. The lack of robust dispute resolution mechanisms and a legal guarantee for MSP further fueled their concerns.

**What Happened: A Year of Sustained Protest**

What began as localized protests quickly escalated into one of the largest and most sustained farmer movements in India's recent history. Thousands of farmers, under the banner of various farmer unions, most notably the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), embarked on the 'Delhi Chalo' (March to Delhi) protest in November 2020. They set up prolonged sit-ins at the borders of Delhi – Singhu, Tikri, and Ghazipur – enduring harsh weather conditions, including the peak of winter and summer. Multiple rounds of negotiations between the farmer unions and the central government failed to break the deadlock. The Supreme Court of India intervened in January 2021, staying the implementation of the laws and forming a committee to facilitate talks. Despite this, the protests continued steadfastly. Finally, bowing to the immense public pressure and in a significant political reversal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the repeal of the three farm laws on November 19, 2021, on the auspicious occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti. The Farm Laws Repeal Act, 2021, was subsequently passed by Parliament on November 29, 2021.

**Key Stakeholders and Their Roles**

1. **Farmers and Farmer Unions**: The primary stakeholders and driving force behind the protests. They articulated their grievances, organized the movement, and maintained unity despite internal differences.

2. **Central Government**: Introduced the laws, initially defended them vigorously, but eventually conceded to the farmers' demands and repealed them, citing national interest.

3. **Opposition Parties**: Largely supported the farmers' cause, using the issue to criticize the government's handling of policy and its perceived authoritarian approach.

4. **Supreme Court of India**: Played a crucial role by staying the laws and attempting mediation, upholding its constitutional duty to resolve disputes.

5. **State Governments**: Some states, particularly Punjab and Rajasthan, openly supported the farmers, even passing their own bills to counter the central laws, highlighting federal tensions.

**Significance for India: A Multifaceted Impact**

1. **Democracy and Dissent**: The farm law protests demonstrated the immense power of sustained, largely peaceful democratic dissent in shaping government policy, even against a strong parliamentary majority. It reaffirmed the constitutional right to protest under Article 19(1)(b) of the Indian Constitution (right to assemble peacefully).

2. **Federalism**: The laws sparked a significant debate on federalism, as agriculture falls primarily under the State List (Entry 14, List II, Seventh Schedule). The Centre legislated using entries from the Concurrent List (Entry 33, List III, related to trade and commerce in foodstuffs), which raised questions about legislative overreach and state autonomy. This event highlighted the delicate balance of power between the Centre and states.

3. **Agricultural Reforms**: The protests stalled significant agricultural reforms, but also brought critical issues like MSP, APMC reforms, and farmer welfare to the national forefront. It underscored the need for extensive consultation and consensus-building before implementing large-scale reforms in a sensitive sector.

4. **Political Landscape**: The repeal was a major political setback for the ruling party and boosted the morale of the opposition, setting a precedent for future political challenges. It highlighted the electoral consequences of ignoring public sentiment.

**Historical Context and Broader Themes**

India has a rich history of farmer movements, from the Indigo Revolt in the colonial era to various post-independence agitations for land rights and better prices. The Green Revolution, particularly in Punjab and Haryana, created a strong dependency on MSP and government procurement, making any perceived threat to this system deeply unsettling for farmers in these regions. The protests also connected to broader themes of economic liberalization, the role of the state in protecting vulnerable populations, and the challenges of balancing economic growth with social justice.

**Future Implications**

The farm law protests have left an indelible mark on India's policy-making landscape. Governments are likely to be more cautious in introducing major reforms, especially in sensitive sectors like agriculture, without thorough consultation and broad stakeholder consensus. The episode has strengthened the hand of civil society and organized groups in influencing policy. It also keeps the focus on farmer welfare, MSP, and agricultural market reforms, with the government having formed a committee to address these issues post-repeal. The opposition's recent warning indicates that the memory of these protests will continue to be a powerful tool in political discourse, ensuring that public agitation remains a potent force in India's vibrant democracy.