Govt doesn’t listen easily, farmers had to share their woes: Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait

This is not the first time that the framers of the country have embarked upon a massive movement to press for their demands. There have been big movements in the past as well. ETV Bharat speaks to Rakesh Tikait, leader of Bharatiya Kisan Union on the occasion of the Farmer’s Day today to understand better on what brought the agriculturists of the nation on the road.

New Delhi: With the farmers protest entering 28th day of the agitation, it seems there is no viable solution in sight. Following a line of failed meeting between the government and farmer's representatives, the protestors have held their ground in the capital, braving extreme drop in temperatures.

This is not the first time that the framers of the country have embarked upon a massive movement to press for their demands. There have been big movements in the past as well.

The government and the farmers have always been two separate poles and have acted as a link between politics and public representatives. What are those aspects in the new farm laws and what are the apprehensions due to which farmers are camping in Delhi. ETV Bharat Delhi State Head Vishal Suryakant spoke to Rakesh Tikait, leader of Bharatiya Kisan Union on the occasion of the Farmer’s Day today.

Question: What are the issues that farmers are facing? What do they want from the government?

Answer: The three amended agricultural laws that have been brought in the name of reforms are not in the interest of farmers. The government will only meet the demands of merchants and shopkeepers, but claims that these laws are for farmers. There is a demand from our government to withdraw these laws and make laws on the new MSP. Till the time MSP law is enacted, the farmers will not benefit.

Question: The Central government says that there is no provision to remove MSP in the new agricultural laws, which have been adopted. What will you say on this?

Answer: We too have not spoken about removing the MSP. We just want a law on the MSP so that no trader is able to buy our produce at a rate below the MSP. That is what the farmers want.

Question: The demand for withdrawal of laws is an issue which is now linked to the prestige of the government and the farmers. Right now, I want to know from you if farmers have also made it an issue of their prestige?

Answer: There are many questions in the three agricultural laws due to which we are demanding the withdrawal of these laws. The biggest problem is storage. Traders have created the storage facility in advance. Businessmen were given an open exemption to store millions of tonnes of grains. There is no MSP and they can earn profits by buying grains cheaply and selling them in the market at higher rates.

Question: After all, how will there be a path of compromise between the farmer and the government when both are not ready to compromise?

Answer: Where are we negotiating? We are demanding the withdrawal of new laws. The government only needs to make a way out. If those in Delhi do not listen properly, then the government will be made to listen. We are firm on our stand. Till no solution is found out, we are not going back home.

Question: You said that there will be a revolution against the government. What will happen in the revolution?

Answer: Is there any ban on plough and bull revolution in the country? We will do the revolution of plough and bull, which are so close to our hearts. We can show them the power of farm implements. Our farm implements, plough and even bulls will be on roads on January 26. That will be a different kind of parade brought out by farmers on the streets of Delhi on January 26.

• Three new farm laws should be repealed; the government should bring a new law regarding MSP

• The government is not running trains; otherwise farmers from across the country would have come

• Those who are scaring us of coronavirus, where were they during the polls in Bihar, Telangana: Rakesh Tikait

• Political parties should put forth their views, but will not allow them interfere in our movement: Rakesh Tikait

Question: There is also a question whether all farmer organisations are united? Are all the farmers together in their demands? Different states have different issues of agriculture.

Answer: These three farm laws are against every farmer. The MSP is the issue of those farmers who produce crops. Milk, vegetables and fruits should also have the MSP.

Question: The government is in majority but the problem is not being resolved. So, is this the government’s wait and watch policy?

Answer: We have been waiting and watching for the past seven years. We have come to Delhi after seven years. This movement will continue till our demands are not met. Let the government remove the misconception it has nurtured on its own. We are not going away from here at all.

Question: Do you think that the issues related to farmers are reaching them in other parts of the country from the borders of Delhi?

Answer: Yes, we are getting full support. Trains are not running. As a result, all farmers are not able to come here. The government says that farmers are talking about stopping the railways. No, we are talking about running trains. As soon as the summer season comes, the farmers of the south will also come with us. The police administration is trying to stop the farmers.

Question: The government is ready to give assurance in writing? Then why is the matter not being sorted out on MSP?

Answer: We farmers did not ask for assurance in writing from the government. We have demanded a law on the MSP. Withdraw all three farm laws and make a law on the MSP.

Question: The government says that by 2022, they will increase the income of farmers. What are your arguments on this?

Answer: We have not said anything about suggestions nor have we talked about the amendment in the existing laws. Our demand is simple. The government should withdraw the law. The report of MS Swaminathan should be implemented. The officers of Prime Minister Narendra Modi give false documents and make the government speak a lie. The government is talking about doubling the income of farmers, but here the rate of yield has come down. In the corona era, we gave food to the country but we have got the police sticks in return. We helped them from all sides. The government is not helping us. It is not respecting our demands.

Question: Do you think that there is any possibility for a rapprochement between the farmers and the government as there have been several rounds of talks so far?

Answer: As of now, there is no such hint or indication from the government. So far, the government has not spoken on the MSP. The government should first repeal farm laws. Only then, we will have the next course of discussion.

Question: What is the model of farmers which will ensure their prosperity? The government has put forth its model for farmers. What is your model?

Answer: We have been completely cheated by the government. The Tikait formula should be implemented in totality. The rate of crops should be fixed on the base year of 1967. Only then farmers will get happy in the country.

Question: Many governments came and went. There were many farmer movements as well, but things have not changed. What are your expectations this time? Why do you think that the government will concede your demands?

Answer: If our demands are not met, we will continue to raise them. Our movement will continue. The country took ninety years to attain freedom. I don’t know when Indian farmers will get freedom but our fight will continue.

Question: There is no conclusion so far. Do you think that you should still have any hope?

Answer: We are protesting in a peaceful manner. This movement will continue in a peaceful manner. If the government is not ready to reconsider its decisions, then we are also not going to discontinue our movement.

Question: Do you think that the basic problems of farmers will be resolved if the current problem is addressed.

Answer: The government must first listen to our words. We have many issues. The government has not addressed any of our issues so far. Some of our issues are – price of crops, power scarcity, the problem of credit cards and the issue of tractors which are 10 years old. The government must first agree to talk to us.

Question: The political parties are actively participating in the farmer's movement. How will you deal with the politics over movement and the politics within the movement?

Answer: There is no politics among farmers. If any party is doing any politics, we have no role in that. The opposition parties are supposed to criticize the government if it is not responding to the people’s issues. Our movement is not against any party. Our fight is against the Central and the state governments. We will fight against any government which creates hurdles for the farmers. If any party indulges in such politics, we will also deal with that party. We are not demanding anything from any party or organisation. Our demands are from the government irrespective of the party in power.

Question: What is the next course of action? Is there any positive sign as farmers are sitting on roads?

Answer: The government should be ashamed of the fact that farmers are sitting on streets. The grain providers of the country are on the streets. It is a shameful situation for the government of the country.

Question: Political parties have their farmer cells in different states, which have divergent views. What is your comment on that?

Answer: The government says that it has spoken to all, but it has not yet spoken to any farmer organisation or entity. The government must listen to all so that an amicable solution is found out. In our movement, no one is talking about politics or any other issues. All farmers are united in their fight against all three farm laws.

Question: There are multiple hardships like corona and the chilling cold of winter. There is a concern about the health of farmers. What is your take?

Answer: Many farmers have been martyred due to the movement. It is the duty of administration to make all arrangements for farmers. They should make adequate arrangements for farmers. So far as corona is concerned, wasn’t there any corona disease during the polls in Bihar and Telangana?

Question: What would you like to convey to the government and the farmers through ETV Bharat?

Answer: We will move from here only after winning the battle. The government must fulfill all the demands of farmers. All three farm laws must be repealed.