The Farmer Protests in Varanasi: A Political Ruse or Genuine Concern?

Recently, over 100 farmers in Varanasi have announced their intention to contest the upcoming elections against Prime Minister Modi. This announcement has sparked a controversy, with many questioning the motives behind this move. Is this just another political stunt, or is it a genuine protest against the government?

Who Are the Farmers?

The farmers who are protesting in Delhi are primarily rich landowners, not poor farmers. These landowners aim to secure loan waivers. However, it is important to note that most poor farmers obtain their loans from cooperative banks, not nationalized or big banks. Initially, they managed to pay off their loans with some challenges, but once politicians started waiving loans, it benefitted small farmers too. The rich landowners, on the other hand, have a history of not paying back loans and demanding loan waivers from the central government.

The history of the rich landowners goes back to 1968, with the Keelavenmani incident. Although the situation has improved over the years, the conditions of farm laborers and small landowners still require significant attention. Rich landowners often exploit poor farmers by lending money at high interest rates and gradually taking over their lands. A small farmer cannot afford the luxury of protesting for days in Delhi, especially when financial burdens prevent such actions.

Political Manipulation and Sympathy

It is worth noting that some rich landowners are joining hands with political parties to create disturbances against the central government. By posing as farmers, they aim to gain sympathy and political leverage. The Keelavenmani incident in 1968 highlights a darker side of these landowners, as they have a history of exploiting the labor and resources of others.

The statement that 100 farmers will fight polls against Modi is indicative of a political scheme well-funded by left and Dravadian parties. These protests in Delhi have been filled with all sorts of obnoxious activities, which have drawn attention away from the real issues faced by farmers. While some farmers who have families to feed are spending months in Delhi protesting, they are not contributing to their own sustenance and family welfare. Instead, they are using this time for a so-called protest drama.

The question remains: Who are they fooling? Poor farmers in dire conditions are unlikely to go to such lengths for a political stunt. This act is merely a political ploy to keep the narrative of farm distress alive. The real issues such as inadequate wages for laborers and the overall poor condition of rural areas need to be addressed, rather than such empty theatrics.

In conclusion, the farmer protests in Varanasi are more likely a political convenience manipulated to benefit certain vested interests. It is time to focus on genuine solutions that can uplift the real farmers and address the underlying issues that have never received the attention they deserve.