Farmers' Protest Delhi Chalo Grows: From 32 To 50 Groups United In Movement

Protests on the outskirts of New Delhi in 2020-2021, driven by unity among farmers in Punjab, exerted pressure on the BJP-led central government to revoke three controversial farm laws.

However, significant shifts have been observed in the past two years, with groups fragmenting and new alliances forming.

Photo Credit: PTI

50 groups behind the protest

Fresh permutations and combinations have been observed among farm groups, leading to diverging pathways as farmers began returning home in Dec 2021 following the annulment of the farm laws. Disagreements have intensified, resulting in multiple splinters within groups, reported Times of India.

The number of active farmer organizations has surged close to 50, a stark contrast from the 32 that united in Nov 2020 to collectively challenge the laws. As another round of protests in Delhi begins this Feb, it has been noted that the proliferation of divisions has caused confusion when various groups issue protest calls, despite their shared objectives, primarily centred on securing a legal guarantee for the minimum support price (MSP).

Health insurance now has no upper age limit! The Care Health Farmer movement, originating from 32 unions under the banner of Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), has fragmented into distinct entities - SKM (Punjab), SKM (Non-political), and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), as reported by Times of India.

Additionally, Sanyukt Samaj Morcha (SSM) was formed by 22 unions under SKM on Dec 25, 2021, to contest the Punjab assembly elections. The leadership of SSM was assumed by Balbir Singh Rajewal. However, three major farm organizations of Punjab - BKU (Ekta Ugrahan), BKU (Ekta Sidhupur), and BKU (Ekta Dakaunda) - refrained from joining SSM.

It is deemed "Unfortunate that the Indian farmer is called anti-national," stated the General Secretary of the Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Committee. Nevertheless, soon after its inception, many organizations began withdrawing from SSM. As the decision to contest the elections backfired, SSM lost momentum, dwindling to five farm groups, as per media reports.

This bloc, led by Rajewal, was merged with SKM on Jan 15, 2024. Similarly, in Haryana, another party, the Sanyukt Sangharsh Party, was established by farm leader Gurnam Charuni, who faced setbacks.