Challenge mounts for Centre as farmers' agitation assumes national character

Farmer leaders cited incidents of farmer groups carrying out road blockades in southern states to counter the government's pitch that the agitation was limited

Farmers block Jalandhar-New Delhi National Highway during their 'chakka jam' protest as part of the ongoing agitation over new farm laws, in Jalandhar. Credit: PTI.

The farmers' protest has gradually assumed a national character with the Saturday's road blockades eliciting a mixed response, thereby increasing challenges for the Centre.

Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar had told the Parliament on Friday that protests over farm laws are "limited to only one state".

Farmer leaders cited the incidents of farmer groups carrying out road blockades even in southern states to counter the government's narrative of the agitation being limited and farmers being instigated by rival political parties.

Read | 'Chakka Jam': Farmers block roads to demand repeal of farm laws

Buoyed by the response, farmer leader Rakesh Tikait announced that the "non-political" protest of the farmer unions will continue in the whole country.

Announcing that farmers will sit in till October 2, Tikait, the national spokesperson of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), indicated that farmers are ready for a long haul.

The agitation has moved from the NCR region to smaller towns like Jind in Haryana and Shamli in UP, where Kisan Mahapanchayats with massive gathering were organised.

Read | Protesting farmers will stay put till October 2: Rakesh Tikait

With elections slated for four states including predominantly rural West Bengal, where farm issue is sensitive and BJP's stakes are high, BJP cannot afford the continuation of the protest.

Alleging that the Opposition is misleading farmers and using them to regain their lost political ground, Uttar Pradesh minister Sidharth Nath Singh claimed that farmers are much better off than they were in the past, which upsets the Opposition, which has been exploiting them as a mere vote bank.

While Union minister Jitendra Singh said the "negative powers" are attempting to create misconceptions over the new laws, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat went to the extent of saying that US-based outfits such as Justice for Sikhs and around 300 Pakistan-based Twitter handles are stoking anger among farmers.

Backing the farmer protest, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi sought to counter the charge of anti-national elements and said peaceful 'satyagraha' of the 'annadatas' is in the national interest as the farm laws are "harmful" for the country. He said the three laws were "harmful not just for farmer-labourers, but also for the people and the country".