Narendra Modi has abandoned the agricultural market reform that sparked a one-year strike from Indian farmers that represented one of the biggest challenges for his administration.
The Indian Prime Minister reaffirmed his conviction on Friday that the three laws would benefit farmers in the long run, giving them the opportunity to buy more crops.
But after 14 months big be-in demonstrations on the main roads of farmers, representing the political district of India, Modi added that his government decided to repeal the legislation at the fifth parliamentary session.
“I urge farmers to return to their families and start over,” Modi said.
An unexpected decline in major changes comes as the Modi party of Bharatiya Janata prepares for government elections in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, both agricultural countries. resistance to the rules it has been dangerous.
Farmers said the change reflects BJP political concerns following his defeat in West Bengal state elections in May during the second Covid-19 crisis.
“The government has revoked the law for fear of losing the election,” said Jaskarn Bawa, an 18-year-old protester whose family farms five acres in the Punjab. “BJP was was sent to West Bengal and they knew that a similar calamity was coming upon the entire country. ”
Political analysts say the U-turn could not alleviate farmers’ anger at the BJP, which portrayed them as extremists and separatists for opposing the change.
“It is clear that the decision was taken with the consideration of elections, but it is not clear that the loss of reform will lead to a return to the ballot box due to the difficulties experienced by farmers,” said Gilles Vernier, a professor of political science. at Ashoka University.
The new law lifted barring private companies from buying seeds directly from farmers, which Modi said would give farmers more freedom and increase their profits.
But farmers fear that the law will provide a way for the government to stop buying seeds at fixed prices, leaving them in the hands of powerful corporations.
Farmers lost out after promising Modi’s return, protesting at the end of the suspension, though protesters said they would not disperse until the settlement was over.
“What are you enjoying?” asked Jagtar Singh, 60, who cultivates 10 acres in the Punjab. “The farm rules were wrong so they would be returned. Who will pay for what we lost in the last 14 months? ”
More than 600 people have died as a result of heat, cold and exhaustion in last year’s protests, while four others were killed in the car of India’s prime minister’s car. entered into them.
Leaving this change would jeopardize Modi’s support, as it damages his image as a strong man who cannot be pressed by opponents.
“It will not be seen as a sign of favor for farmers but as a return to a major change in policies that he has vowed hard not to leave,” Vernier said.
The rules of the farm were pushed across parliament on a verbal vote last year during the first phase of the epidemic, without debate or recognition. Opposition groups called for a boycott of the by-elections and called for a review of the issue, which is affecting the lives of millions of people.
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