Why Are Farmers Forced to Seek Justice in Delhi? Kharge Questions Modi

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge took to social media on Monday to question Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the plight of farmers, asking why they are forced to march to Delhi seeking justice. Kharge raised concerns about inadequate procurement of agricultural produce, unfair minimum support prices (MSP), and the absence of a legal guarantee for MSP in a post shared on X (formerly Twitter).

This criticism comes after a tense standoff at the Shambhu border, where Haryana Police and paramilitary forces blocked a group of 101 farmers attempting to march to Delhi. Despite initial gestures like offering tea and biscuits, the situation escalated as security forces used tear gas, water cannons, and chemical sprays to disperse the protesters, leaving at least seven farmers injured.

Kharge accused the government of repeatedly betraying the farming community. “Farmers are pleading for justice because your government has betrayed them repeatedly,” Kharge wrote in Hindi. He also called out the unfulfilled promises of doubling farmers’ incomes by 2022, providing Input Cost + 50% MSP, and forming a committee to give MSP legal status.

Kharge lambasted Modi for turning Delhi’s borders into a fortress during the protests. “You laid a net of barbed wire, turned the Delhi border into a cantonment, and tried to stop their peaceful march with tear gas. Previously, you fired rubber bullets and used lathis,” he said.

Farmers have demanded a legal guarantee for MSP, waivers for farm debts, pensions for farmers and laborers, withdrawal of police cases, and justice for victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence. Kharge condemned the government’s dismissive attitude, including earlier remarks from Modi labeling farmers “andolanjeevi” (agitators) and “parjeevi” (parasites).

“The farmers have understood that you are their staunch opponent. Don’t take away their right to raise their voice or do them injustice!” Kharge concluded, urging the government to address their grievances and ensure justice.