Chicago – February 13, 2024
Indian farmers are to continue their protest march to New Delhi on Tuesday after discussions with ministers failed to move on concerns such as better crop prices promised for 2021 when thousands slept on highways leading to the capital.
The march, the latest in a string of similar protests dating back more than two years, takes place months before national elections in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will seek a third term, with farmers comprising a crucial vote group.
Only a few farmers from a few northern states have joined the most recent march.
Farm unions want to persuade the government to pass legislation agreeing to increase state support or price guarantees and keeping commitments to treble farmers’ income.
Union leaders and the government failed to reach an agreement on Monday, with farmers accusing the administration of dragging its heels in satisfying their demands.
Police have forbidden big gatherings in New Delhi and closed sections of main roads going to the capital from the northern state of Punjab, where most farmers are beginning their march.
