This was a news story that appeared on January 27, a day after the Red Fort flag fracas. I am posting it late because I discovered it late. The Mint had asked me my opinion and has reproduced it here.
Please read here …
Day 76
Toll 219
Missing 123 (official, could be 300-500)
Jailed 128 (not reconciled with above 123)
#FarmersProtest
Tikri’s Andolanjeevis
In all the hullabaloo from Singhu and Ghazipur – Samyukt Kisan Morcha and Rakesh Tikait – news of all these Mahapanchayats, communities across religious and caste lines rising, just remember the third vertex of the protests – Tikri.
Farmers at Tikri are mostly from BKU Ekta Ugrahan, BKU Chaduni, Haryana Khaps, and others. While tenacity, resourcefulness and fatalism are defining characteristics of farmers in general, the Tikri ones are shaped through long years of struggle against various state policies and atrocities. They know that instead of expending energy on daily newsy stuff, they need to conserve energy for the long haul.
In BKU EU’s view, this protest – ghol in Panjabi – is not just about Laws and MSP or Human Rights violations, but stands in opposition to the entire structure of the neo-liberal state apparatus. That is why the struggle is not until October 2nd as Tikait said, or 2024 as Pandher said. The real struggle is much longer though it will keep changing tactics and strategies. For now, BKU EU has dug in its heels and when all this hullabaloo settles you will still see it standing – pahad warge honsle, said Kanwar Grewal in a song. Courage like mountains!
Grewal’s song Ailaan, which had garnered 13 million hits, seems to have been taken off YouTube. It has again been uploaded by the producers. I feel such pity for those who believe they can control the voice of those struggling. Not only have they not learnt anything from history, they also suffer the worst delusion – invincibility. Ailaan or other songs have sunk into public consciousness, they live in the hearts of protesters. What will the powers do? Remove the hearts? Decimate memory? Just like they have done to themselves?
It was the same approach in Parliament yesterday when Modi coined a new term Andolanjeevi. Overnight the term has been spoofed so much. It is amazing how since BJP was formed in 1980, has been in power in the Centre for nearly 15 years (Congress has been in power 22 years) suddenly BJP now labels any Opposition to itself in the same trope as anti-national. Whether it was its parent organisation RSS or Jana Sangh, they were always in Opposition to the Congress view of India. They did not even adopt the Tricolour until Vajpayee convinced them to use it early 2000s. Now suddenly those who oppose your sell-out of India to corporates have to be labelled?
During the Freedom Struggle, the freedom fighters were andolanjeevi while BJP parent organization leaders were writing mercy petitions to British; during Emergency the Janata Parivar, from which BJP split – along with Akalis whose contribution they do not acknowledge – were andolanjeevi. 40,000 out of above 1 lakh arrested and jailed during Emergency were Akalis. Unlike RSS who wrote pardon letters to Indira Gandhi, the Akalis refused any compromise and Panjab suffered greatly as a consequence in 1980s-90s. Yet, Modi has the gall to term the farmers who sustain the nation as andolanjeevi.
The core issue, as revealed by 7 years of mis-rule, is that Hindutva has no talent except clever usage of language. Now the earth on which they stand has challenged them and they are clueless on what do with the burgeoning voice rising against them. Hence, these silly language games. That is all they know, inversion of language. But truth is beyond language. They can maul history, create new terms, but the earth speaks, the winds are blowing. Sadly, their arrogance does not allow them to feel or listen.
These language games won’t work. This censoring never worked. It just shows the obstinacy of those in power. The more rigid they get, the greater will be their fall. We shall all watch that happen.
Day 75
Toll 214
Missing 123 (official, could be more)
Jailed 120 (not reconciled with above 123)
#FarmersProtest
Meo Rising
Yesterday, the Mewat region, south Haryana, rose in defiance to the Farm Laws. At a huge gathering in Nuh, the Muslims, Rajputs, and Jats came together in lakhs. This is significant because the easy and simplistic Hindu-Muslim binary through which Hindutva has tried to divide society for the last many years is now thoroughly challenged.
From Babur to the British, the Meo Muslims have a long history of resistance. In 1947, during the Partition of India, despite pressure by the princely states of Alwar and Bharatpur, who ruled in the region, the Meo community decided not to migrate to Pakistan. In practice, the Meo Muslims follow many Hindu customs such as not marrying within the same gotra, naming conventions, celebrating Diwali and Holi alongside two Eids (Eid ul-Fitr and Eid al-Adha).
In spite of such a rich syncretic culture, in 2017, under the present dispensation’s covert encouragement, Pehlu Khan, a dairy farmer and Meo Muslim was lynched in Alwar by self-styled cow vigilantes. Pehlu Khan’s real name was Pappu Khan. His father’s name was Roop Singh, his grandfather was Bhoop Singh and his great grandfather’s was Chand Singh. This lynching had sent a worry across the 60 lakh strong Meo Muslim community who had always considered this land as home and had gloriously risen in the past many centuries to defend it.
The huge presence of women in yesterday’s gathering addressed by Chaduni and AIKSCC leaders is an assertion of the fact that divisive politics will fail, the masses have seen through the attempts to divide them. Farmers who till the land are also uniting this land.
After all, as Rahat Indori Sa’ab said, in translation:
All our blood is mixed in this earth
Hindustan does not belong to any one (community)
Day 74
Toll 208
Missing 123 (official, could be more)
Jailed 120 (not reconciled with above 123)
#FarmersProtest
Structural Violence
If you do not know the term ‘structural violence’, if you do not know the structural violence of the Green Revolution, if you do not know how the new Farm laws are the next phase of the previous structural violence, please look at the figures above again. Ask all possible questions. You may get an idea of what structural violence means.
Now that much is revealed about how the flag fiasco of Republic Day was a trap laid by powers that be using a compromised police and a pliant media, it is time we assess the Tractor March in terms of real violence to civilians, to property private or public. The answer is zero.
If we assess yesterday’s Chakka Jam in terms of violence to police, civilians, property private or public, the answer is zero. In fact, all essential supply lines were allowed. While the 3-hour protest generated nation-wide participation, look at its reporting in media. Near zero. Think about this in terms of previous protests that have happened in the country, especially on calls of the right-wing.
Yesterday, in the Samyukt Kisan Morcha press conference, Panjab Kisan Union leader Ruldu Singh Mansa said (minute 9.45): ‘when we make a call, we look at the conditions in each state to assess whether our call will get us results or not.’ This was in context of the last minute Chakka Jam being called off in Uttrakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi.
Indeed, a Chakka Jam yesterday in UK and UP could have proved detrimental. There is a great upheaval in the masses in those states. There could have been riots. In Delhi, ironically, but as optics to create fear and inconvenience ordinary people, the government closed down 10 Metro stations, 50,000 police was on stand by for a Chakka Jam that never happened.
Calling off Chakka Jam in some states was a wise decision but why did SKM’s explanation come so late in the day, after the event? From my understanding, it is because there is a top-down culture in Panjab – a way of infantilizing the masses. A belief that people do not get it. These are people who have set up cities on the borders, are arranging all basics for themselves which the government is trying to curtail. Why would they not understand? That is why, the leadership should be inclusive and participatory, not judgmental of the masses it is leading.
Anyway, the powers that be realise nothing they do is working. Whatever they try to beat the protests with boomerangs. This does not mean it is easy from here on. It means it will get tougher.
Be prepared for more … meanwhile understand structural violence. Though, of course, my concern now is possibility of literal violence.
Meanwhile, more and more Mahapanchayats are on, at least two a day, lakhs upon lakhs gathering. Communities other than Jats/Jutts/Raitas are participating. The movement is growing.
Day 73
Toll 206
Missing 123 (official, otherwise more)
#FarmersProtest
Politburo
In spite of all big and small attempts to intimidate, all muscle flexing by state, after the Republic Day, the farmer protests are back with renewed strength. The protests have attracted international attention and revealed the absolute servility of macho right wingers, including celebrities, drawing derision and making a mockery of India internationally. The mid-race baton change between Singhu and Ghazipur was beautifully executed. Not much in news, Tikri has been standing tall pre and post Republic Day. Now Shahjahanpur is rising. Many Mahapanchayats have taken place – Muzaffarnagar, Mathura, Baghpat, Jind and Kasganj – a huge one yesterday at Shamli in spite of administration not giving permission.
When people collect in such large numbers, vow to join the struggle, the leadership needs to recognise that people too have expectations from the leadership. Any leadership’s role is not merely to represent people but to shape movements, develop the people’s political consciousness, take a stand and push with it, not go on backfoot – present models of leadership. For the Panjab side of the the protests – clarifying because the protests are now national – the expectation is for the leadership to be transparent and accountable. On that score, I feel Samyukth Kisan Morcha, which has found its feet over last few days, still has some way to go …
It does not help that SKM explained away the events of Republic Day as sabotage by external agencies (read government). The fact is if youth was feeling neglected, if some groups were feeling unrepresented, the leadership should have connected with them. When Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee was attacked by government sponsored Hindutva goons, youth from SKM’s side of the camp were standing with KMSC, why was SKM asking them to not stand with KMSC? Two days back, was Navreet last prayers – the young farmer, shot by police, death through tractor tumbling. Priyanka Gandhi reached his village, for the last 10 days, no SKM leader except Chaduni, contacted his family. Yes, three leaders went for prayers where over half a lakh people were collected, but what explains SKMs silence? Will SKM now say the Congress is trying to benefit from the movement they created?
These protests would have been nowhere if it were not for solidarity from other states, other castes, classes, and women. What explains SKM’s silence over Nodeep Kaur,, member of Mazdoor Adhikar Sangathan (MAS), arrested from Singhu on January 12? Tortured. Why not demand her release?
SKM needs to ask itself what kind of leadership it is willing provide. Is it of the pre-Republic Days when they were shaping the discourse, bringing cheer in ranks through defiance, or is it going to play catch up with its people? I hope SKM realises they are not just some nominated leaders from their unions. They represent the farmers and workers of the nation.
This is about models of leadership. From my understanding, the issue is the Left can’t go beyond the idea of the politburo – the executive committee, supposedly representing the collective will of the people. In theory, the purpose of politburo is to ensure collective responsibility. In practice, in most former communist countries, the politburo stood for a dense, opaque, collective which was slow to budge, take a stance, ignored ground realities, and did not consider the human cost of their policies.
These protests unfolding in India are unique. Not only because they are bringing together such a diversity but also because from Panjab side, the leadership is Left but cadre is Sikh, old rivalries are dissolving. These protests need a model of leadership beyond politburos.
A few days back SKM gave the call for ‘chakka jam’ today between 12 noon and 3 pm. Last night, once Tikait and Rajewal met, they decided, owing to sensitive conditions in the states from Navreet’s death, to exempt Delhi, UP and Uttrakhand from the ‘chakka jam’. This is understandable. No one wants violence. But pray, why did SKM give the bombastic call earlier? When they announced earlier, did they not estimate the anger in the people? To a lesser extent because ‘chakka jam’ is relatively minor, this is the same issue as of Republic Day Tractor Parade: SKM made a series of provocative calls, then changed the route plan but did not explain it.
The protests are seeded, they will go on, many leaders will rise, many people will join. It is now up to SKM to remain relevant. SKM must realise, its cadre is not its bhakts, its worshippers. It must realise its responsibility to lead, to expand the protests, not waver in its announcements and be truly inclusive in its representation.
For now Nodeep, all others arrested. Solidarity!
Day 71
Toll 197
#FarmersProtest
Propaganda
When I saw the hashtag used by no one less than Home Minister of the nation I said to myself ‘chor ki daddi mein tinka’ – guilty conscience. That is because ask yourself, except propaganda, what exactly has the government done for the nation in the last seven years? In fact, the state has become a huge propaganda machinery that, as we saw yesterday, enrols celebrities, sports people, anyone who we held as icons in the past. Such fear! Such subservience! I am fast losing respect in the whole cohort.
The other thing the government has perfected is jumla – lies. Jumlas are a huge saga of what was promised to people, what was later denied, including in this case, the implementation of Terms of Reference of the Swaminathan Report in BJP’s 2014 Manifesto.
I love it that celebrities endorsed the protests but the first big tweet was perfectly neutral, it merely asked: can we talk about the farmers protest? Just that much led to this macho, uber-masculine government losing its calm (shit)? Imagine how terrified is the bully who has barricaded himself and the people of Delhi from farmers whose produce they still consume daily.
Celebrity endorsement are double-edged swords. They are good when they project a movement but sometimes they also unwittingly, or wittingly because powers know this, can skew the discourse, hijack the movement, become about themselves. That risk remains. We must note the rooted, grounded farmer movement does not need endorsements. The last many months show us the protests will also not be easily appropriated by celebrities or sundry politicians. Though we must remain cautious and vigilant. However, since the struggle is for justice, it is good if celebrities show which side they stand. Indian ones, of course, have discredited themselves.
Sometimes I wonder if everything about the country we live in is false? Elected representatives who betray, governments who do not deliver, celebrities who might have some skill but no talent, no gumption. What is a person without a big heart? What is a nation without a big heart?
After the earlier Mahapanchayats, yesterday there was one in Jind. The crowd was so big, the stage broke thrice. The farmers have pledged to take their fight ahead. Meanwhile, on protest sites, Internet, electricity, water, sanitation lines being cut by government. Yet, in a show of solidarity, urban neighbours have shared their WiFI passwords, tractors and solar panels are providing electricity, remember these are farmers, they are resourceful, they are digging their own borewells for water, food lines to Haryana and Uttar Pradesh remain open, local villagers prevented police from barricading NH 44 in Haryana (why did Delhi folks allow barricading of Ghazipur? So scared?) sanitation has been and will again become an issue. Ask Modi what happened to his Swachh Bharat – the jumla on toilets.
The protests are going strong. The government still has no clue what to do. Suggest: just repeal the Laws; Parliament is in session, instead of a fake discussion on Farm Laws which should anyway have happened before Laws were passed, pass a law legalising Minimum Support Price. The farmers will go home.
Day 70
Toll 195
#FarmersProtest
Farce Debate in Parliament
The government agreeing to debate on farmers issue is another manipulation in the saga of the struggle of farmers.
Just checking news, media will push for this debate as if something will come out from it. The fact is, we are living in an age of trust deficit, not only in the Supreme Court but also in the Parliament. Yes, we supposedly live in an electoral democracy but the protests amply display that all political parties – yes, all, not only BJP – stand discredited.
The meagre little Congress of today also did not implement the Swaminathan Commission Report 2007 that it had itself set up. The Akalis were in BJP’s pocket until recently. Many other smaller parties are in alliance with BJP. In spite of AAP’s tearing the Farm Laws in the Delhi Assembly, the fact is they had earlier notified the Laws. Left might speak some sense but does not have much of a mandate. Shiv Sena might do some posturing but they are part of the same political system that has impoverished the agrarian sector for half a century. The fact is political parties have consistently betrayed the agrarian sector, as seen even in the recent Budget.
The debate will be used by non- BJP parties to try to prove to be allies of farmers.
It will be used by BJP to up its propaganda. All that will come out from this debate is BJP will look like a injured party.
This debate is a manipulation of democracy. This debate should have happened before the Laws were bulldozed in Parliament. A bulldozing over which Opposition cried foul but had no power to do anything. The only party that the government must discuss with is the farmers camped outside Delhi, now barricaded as well. Farmers whose internet, water, electricity, sanitation is cut off. In fact, the stage of discussions has also passed, the only thing that the government must do is repeal the Laws, legalise MSP.
The only task of Opposition is to force government to remove barricades, restore services, not indulge in false, staged debates.
February 2, 2021
A simple question on Republic Day Red Fort flag fracas. I wonder why no one asks it. Actually I wrote it for a site, they refused to publish.
Many of you live in Delhi. I lived in Delhi for 5 years. Drove around. Then Metro came and we started going to Chandni Chowk/Red Fort by Metro.
Yet, we know Delhi roads, especially old city roads are such a spider’s web that it isn’t easy to reach Red Fort. The Red Fort front is not on the Ring Road. Neither is ITO on the Ring Road. Both are roughly one kilometre inside, connected by Netaji Marg. When Delhi was Shajahanabad, Red Fort was its great landmark, the current Netaji Marg was the main road.
We know the famers who participated in the Tractor Rally were almost all from outside Delhi. Many perhaps came to Delhi for the first times in their lives. They do not know the roads, they do not know the roads to take to destinations.
Tractors are big machines, when on speed on smooth roads, when drivers are enjoying the wind of their faces, they aren’t easy to turn. So,
a) How did the farmers coming from Ghazipur side, Sari Kale Khan, know where to leave the Ring Road and turn at exactly the right place to reach ITO where the police lathi charged them?
b) Why did police not stop farmers coming from Singhu side, Mukarba Chowk, when instead of taking Ring Road, they turned on Karnal Road?
Who gave the farmers directions? If this does not tell you about police complicity and trap, then you are free to stick to your beliefs.