Tamil Nadu Farmers Protest in Delhi, Threaten to Contest Against PM Modi

On Tuesday, more than 100 farmers from Tamil Nadu staged a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, alleging that the central government has failed to increase crop prices and interlink rivers. The farmers, led by Ayyakannu, the head of Desiya Thenidhiya Nathigal Inaippu Vivasayigal Sangam, carried skulls and bones of farmers who had reportedly died by suicide due to the agrarian crisis.

The protest continued into its second day on Wednesday, with some farmers climbing a mobile to draw attention to their demands. The farmers are seeking a doubling of their income from farm produce, a pension of Rs 5,000 for farmers, individual insurance, and the interlinking of all rivers in India.

In a bold move, the delegation of 100 representatives from Tamil Nadu issued an ultimatum, threatening to contest against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency if their demands are not addressed. Ayyakannu, who had previously led the 2017 Tamil Nadu farmers' protest in New Delhi, clarified that their objective was to seek assistance from the Prime Minister, not to oppose him or align with any political faction.

Why this matters: The protest highlights the ongoing agrarian crisis in India and the growing discontent among farmers who feel their concerns have not been adequately addressed by the central government. The threat to contest against PM Modi in Varanasi adds a political dimension to the protest and underscores the farmers' determination to have their demands met.

The farmers initially faced difficulties in getting permission to protest, with the police stopping them, but they were later granted permission by the court. Meanwhile, farmers in Ludhiana also staged a rail roko protest on the sixth day, demanding the release of three farmers arrested by the Haryana police. The protest at Jantar Mantar is the latest in a series of demonstrations by Tamil Nadu farmers, underscoring their unwavering commitment to advocating for their rights in the agricultural sector.

Key Takeaways

• Over 100 Tamil Nadu farmers protested in Delhi, carrying skulls of farmer suicides.
• Farmers demand doubling of income, pension, insurance, and river interlinking.
• Farmers threaten to contest against PM Modi in Varanasi if demands not met.
• Protest highlights ongoing agrarian crisis and farmers' discontent with govt.
• Farmers in Ludhiana also staged a rail roko protest, demanding release of arrested farmers.