Anvee Bhutani
After a whole year of protesting, Indian farmers have finally seen the repeal of three laws that were designed to decrease government involvement and regulation of the agricultural sector and largely resign it to the free market economic system. Beyond being a large victory for those protesting, however, this victory sets a precedent for the future of labour movements. How did farmers win? Having initially seen the unionisation of farmers predominantly from the states of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan, the protest then made history when, in November 2020, over 250 million people across the subcontinent participated in a general strike in solidarity with the protests. The global support and solidarity the movement has received by diaspora South Asian groups as well has now made this the largest protest in human history. Organizers also leaned on those outside the country. Big Sikh diaspora charities like Khalsa Aid International, a British relief group, raised money for the protesters. Even non-Indian figures like Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and singer-songwriter
Rihanna got involved. The philosophy of Sikhism emphasizes supporting victims of injustice and the value of the community over the individual. Financial aid, particularly from Sikh temples and organizations outside India, has been critical to the movement’s staying power. The farmer movement’s sprawling protest camps, which fed and clothed thousands of people daily and provided clean water, sanitation and even barber shops and tailors, reflects the Sikh value of community and self-sufficiency. Controversy Around the Repeal There has been immense speculation as to the real reason the laws were repealed, with some claiming it was for electoral gain. The BJP were gearing up for election battles in several states across India, namely Uttar Pradesh, where they have been campaigning aggressively. The state, which is the country’s largest and its most populated, could indicate which party forms the national government after the 2024 elections. Elections are also due in Punjab,an agrarian state where a significant chunk of the farmer protests took
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The Win For Indian Farmers Shows Mass Resistance Works
