Kisan Aandolan: A Tale of Two Farmer Movements

Current Affairs National

Posted by newadmin on 2025-03-25 08:48:04 |

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India has witnessed two major farmer protests—Kisan Aandolan 1.0 (2020-2021) and Kisan Aandolan 2.0 (2024-2025). While both aimed to address agricultural grievances, their execution and outcomes differed significantly.

Kisan Aandolan 1.0 was a historic movement where farmers staged a 380-day sit-in at Delhi’s borders, demanding the repeal of three controversial farm laws. Led by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), the protest gained widespread public and political support. More than 750 farmers lost their lives, but the movement succeeded when the government repealed the laws in November 2021.

Kisan Aandolan 2.0, which began in February 2024, focused on securing a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) along with 11 other demands. Unlike its predecessor, this protest remained largely confined to Punjab, lacking the nationwide backing seen in 2020. Urban communities and businesses viewed it as disruptive, and government responses were more aggressive. Over 450 farmers were injured due to police actions, and several leaders were arrested.

A key difference was public sentiment—while the first movement enjoyed solidarity across different sectors, the second faced opposition due to economic concerns. Additionally, internal divisions among farmer unions weakened the impact of Kisan Aandolan 2.0.

Despite their differences, both protests highlight the ongoing struggles of Indian farmers and the need for sustainable agricultural policies and meaningful dialogue between the government and farming communities.

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