Farmers hold “Farmers Parliament” outside Indian National Parliament

Farmers in Delhi are hosting a “Farmers Parliament” in front of Indian National Parliament.

They started a sit-in outside parliament today, Thursday 22nd July 2021, to renew the push for a repeal of the agricultural laws that threaten to “enslave” them in debt. Tens of thousands of farmers have camped out on major highways leading to New Delhi for more than seven months in protest against PM Modi’s government.

Police in New Delhi escorted 200 farmers earlier today from protest spots on the outskirts to Jantar Mantar, a large Mughal-era observatory in a central area that doubles as a protest site. While the protest has gained support from farmers all over India, Punjab and particularly the Sikh community has been at the forefront of the protest due to the prominent role played in India’s agriculture.

“We are here to remind the government again that the anti-farmer laws need to be rolled back to protect Indian agriculture and millions of poor farmers from a complete takeover by large corporations,” Rakesh Tikait, a leader of the Bharatiya Kisan Union, one of the largest grouping of farmers, told Reuters.

Farmers said their identity cards were checked by police, who have tightened security, erecting barricades and check posts. Parliament ends early in August, due to Monsoon season, and the farmers have been given permission to protest until 9th August 2021.

“Throughout the monsoon session of parliament, 200 farmers will go to Jantar Mantar every day to hold a farmers’ parliament to remind the government of our long-pending demand,” said farmer leader Balbir Singh Rajewal.

BBC News also recently reported on the ongoing protest – the largest ever of its kind, and Sikh PA will continue to cover the story as it develops.