In a noteworthy critique, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh has taken aim at the Modi government for what he perceives as a lack of action on implementing MS Swaminathan’s Minimum Support Price (MSP) formula for farmers. Despite the recent announcement of Bharat Ratna for the renowned scientist, Ramesh contends that the government’s silence on crucial agricultural policies has led to the tragic loss of 700 farmers during their movement.
Ramesh emphasizes the ongoing struggles of farmers, asserting that their readiness to march to Delhi remains unanswered by the government. He ties the demand for justice to farmers to the larger objectives of the Congress’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, stating, “Providing justice to farmers is one of the main objectives of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.” He underscores the party’s demand for ‘Kisan Nyay,’ advocating for a legal guarantee of minimum support price based on the Swaminathan formula.
Reflecting on the recent Bharat Ratna awards, MS Swaminathan’s daughter, Soumya Swaminathan, shares that her father, who passed away on September 28, 2023, never worked for awards. She notes that he was motivated more by the tangible results of his work on the ground and people’s love and affection.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has officially welcomed the Bharat Ratna awards conferred upon Narasimha Rao, Chaudhary Charan Singh, and MS Swaminathan.
Amidst these political developments, the article provides updates on the ongoing farmers’ protests. Farmers from Noida and Greater Noida have staged a siege at the Delhi-Noida border, with their march to Parliament halted. Simultaneously, Punjab farmers are gearing up for a Delhi March on February 13, leading to discussions with Union ministers and Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann.
The complex landscape of agricultural policies, protests, and political responses unfolds against the backdrop of a nation grappling with the challenges facing its farming community.
