DP Singh
Punjab farmers have cut Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s larger-than-life image to size. By doing so they have made amply clear that they will either have their way or highway. It is no mean task and perhaps only farmers can do. Some of the top opposition leaders have thus far failed to put Modi in dock even on most controversial issues like demonetization, airport privatization, disinvestment, and hasty GST implementation.
Going by the statements by various farmer leaders after meeting with senior Central ministers, it appears that government has climbed down from its obdurate attitude on the three farm bills and may be forced to stand on their knees.
On most crucial issues including dilution of labour laws, the Modi government has had their way. The weak and meek opposition were always seen with great disdain and termed as anti-nationals when they tried to rake up an issue.
With most media houses doubling up as government mouthpiece, either due to fear or aspiring to get Knighthood for their support, the all-powerful Modi government has projected itself as the most popular regime. The propaganda machinery has made sure that such perceptions percolate down to the remotest part of the country.
Several great leaders especially Jawaharlal Nehru has been shown in very poor light.
Opinion makers, publicists, compromised journalists and enthusiastic BJP supporters have made an impression that the present regime is invincible and will continue its run for eternity.
But Punjab farmers have punctured all the myths. Their strong resolve to fight for their rights is set to inspire many other interest groups to raise their voice. It is hardly a secret now that law enforcement and investigating agencies are routinely used to intimidate critics and detractors of the government. Those running businesses or engaged in money-laundering may have reasons to fear but farmers have none.
Since they barely save anything, there is no question of evading tax or duties. They are the class of people who are forced to sell their produce at minimum support price (MSP) or lower than that. As against this, business people who use foodgrains sourced from farmers sell their products at maximum retail price (MRP).
It is high time, farmers fight for their rights. They now don’t need to commit suicide and instead take inspiration from Punjab farmers, the inhabitants of great land, and ask for their share of the pie. Punjab farmers are a beacon of hope especially when suppression of dissent is routine.
DP Singh is a farmer and a social worker from Bihar
Photo credit: Twitter/AmberdeepS
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