Farmers’ Protest 2.0: SKM & Unions Organize Huge Gathering at Ramleela Maidan

The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and Trade Unions across India had given a call for a Mahapanchayat (big gathering) of farmers and workers at Ramleela Maidan, New Delhi, on 14 Mar. Tens of thousands of farmers and workers from over 400 unions across the country participated in the program. Sadly, though the authorities permitted the program, they chose to play spoilsport. While unions like Bhartiya Kisan Union Ekta Ugrahan marched with over 1,500 buses, many chose to come by regular trains and buses which were delayed by over 8 hours in some cases, and many farmers were forced to walk long distances. To inconvenience participants, sewerage water was let into the ground which was completely dry the previous day. Yet, the Mahapanchayat took place, and various leaders expressed their views. The leaders announced, ‘Farmers are united, protest is not going to end.’ SKM and allied unions intend to convert the ongoing farmers and workers struggle into a United People’s Movement to protect livelihoods. They have given a call to observe 23 Mar — martyrdom day of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru — as a ‘Save Democracy from the Threat of Money and Muscle Power’ Day. With the Supreme Court-enforced Electoral Bonds revelations by the State Bank of India and the Election Commission, the timing of the protest could not be more apt. Like in the 2021 Bengal elections, workers and farmers have decided to oppose BJP in the general elections. Meanwhile, the farmers at the Panjab-Haryana interstate borders Shambu and Khanauri have entered the second month of their attempt to reach Delhi.