Protesting Indian farmers have rejected a government proposal and are continuing their march to New Delhi, despite authorities blocking their efforts to reach the city.
The farmers refused the government’s offer of a five-year contract for guaranteed prices for certain crops, including pulses, maize, and cotton. They plan to resume their march to New Delhi on Wednesday.
Leaders of the movement stated that the government’s proposal was not in the interest of the farmers, and they are appealing to the government to resolve their issues or allow them to protest peacefully in New Delhi.
The renewed protests come as the farmers demand legislation that guarantees minimum support prices for all farm produce, as well as progress on other key demands from previous protests.
The farmers say a guaranteed minimum support price for their crops would stabilize their incomes and are pressing the government to follow through on promises to double their income, waive their loans, and withdraw legal cases brought against them during the 2021 protests.
Despite several failed meetings between farm leaders and the government, the protests continue as a crucial time for India, with national elections expected in the coming months.
Farmers are particularly important to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP, and the protests come at a time when the party is expected to secure a third successive term in office.