NEW DELHI: Amidst escalating tensions surrounding the ongoing farmers’ protest, a controversial video has emerged, sparking debate and raising questions about the true intentions behind the demonstrations.
In the video, Jagjit Singh Dallewal, chief of Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta Sidhupur) and a prominent figure in the farmers’ protest movement, is seen launching a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Dallewal alleged that the protest aims to undermine Modi’s popularity, particularly in the lead-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
The video, which has rapidly gained traction online, has reignited discussions about the underlying motives driving the farmers’ protest. Advisor to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Kanchan Gupta, shared on X the ‘real’ intent behind the ongoing farmers’ agitation. He alleged, “‘Bring Modi Graph Down’- Here we have ‘farmers leader’ Jagjit Singh Dallewal explaining the true agenda behind the so-called ‘farmers’ agitation’: ‘Modi’s graph has shot up due to Ram Mandir. We have to reduce that graph. The window of opportunity is very small. We have to do just that.’ When protesters resort to what Babasaheb Ambedkar termed as the ‘grammar of anarchy,’ the actual purpose is often obscured.”
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Gupta further highlighted the adverse effects of the protest on daily wage earners, micro and small enterprise owners, and shopkeepers. He expressed concerns about a potential reoccurrence of losses experienced during previous agitations. Gupta moreover alleged the involvement of the AAP government in Punjab, accusing them of granting permissions for disruptive activities such as rail blockades. He warned that the actions of the AAP could lead Punjab down a path of destructive anarchy, akin to what Delhi experienced.
Reacting to the video, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar refrained from direct commentary but hinted at external support for the protesters. He questioned the role of the Punjab government in allowing the protests to continue unabated and criticised the Delhi government’s apparent endorsement of the movement.
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“It is not appropriate to comment but it is evident that they (farmers) are getting support from somewhere or the other. The Punjab government could have stopped them, but they did not, this shows that there must be some understanding. The Delhi government says that they are in support of the farmers’ movement. This is a political statement. Will the people stop supporting PM Modi if such a huge protest is organised? A message is getting circulated in the public that this is not the right way to protest,” he said.
All eyes are now on the scheduled meeting between government officials and farmers’ representatives in Chandigarh. Jagjit Singh Dallewal, the convener of Samyukt Kisan Morcha, has been at the forefront of the “Dilli Chalo” agitation, advocating for various demands, including legal protection for Minimum Support Price (MSP).
As the farmers’ protest enters its third day, pressure mounts on the government to address a wide range of grievances. These demands include legislative guarantees for MSP, loan waivers, pensions for farmers, and justice for victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence. The protesters also seek reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act 2013, withdrawal from the World Trade Organization, and compensation for families of deceased farmers from previous agitations.
The outcome of the impending dialogue remains uncertain, with stakeholders on both sides entrenched in their positions, underscoring the deep divisions surrounding the farmers’ protest.