Battle over MSP intensifies: Will Modi government bow to farmers’ demands?

Chandigarh: Following last week's "positive meeting," the central government is set to engage in another round of discussions with protesting farmers on Saturday evening. The agenda includes several crucial demands, notably a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) on crops. While farmers had urged the Centre to conduct the meeting in Delhi, the government has instead scheduled it at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Public Administration in Chandigarh.

Formal invitation sent to farmer leaders

The invitation for the meeting was extended to farmer leaders Jagjit Singh Dallewal and Sarwan Singh Pandher by Purna Chandra Kishan, Joint Secretary of the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. In an official letter dated February 19, the ministry reaffirmed its commitment to negotiations. The letter stated, "This is in continuation of the previous meeting with the leaders of SKM (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) held on February 14 in Chandigarh."

Key demands and previous rounds of talks

Farmers have remained steadfast in their demands, which include:

• A legally binding MSP law to ensure fair crop pricing.

• Debt waivers for financially struggling farmers.

• Pension benefits for both farmers and farm laborers.

• Withdrawal of legal cases against protesting farmers.

• Justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence.

So far, multiple discussions between union ministers and farmer representatives in February have failed to yield a breakthrough. The February 14 meeting in Chandigarh, led by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, was described as "cordial" but inconclusive. Dallewal, a key farmer leader, insisted that protests will persist until an MSP law is enacted.

Government’s stand on MSP hike

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi claimed that the Narendra Modi government had increased MSP by 58% since 2014. However, Sarwan Singh Pandher countered this claim, stating, "Inflation under their government has increased by 59%... We told them that the government should make a law for MSP."

Protests continue at Delhi borders

The latest round of negotiations comes amid year-long farmer protests, marked by confrontations at key border points like Shambhu and Khanauri. Despite attempts to de-escalate tensions, farmer leaders remain firm on their stance, while the Centre maintains its position. The outcome of this fresh meeting will be crucial in determining the next course of action.