The harvest this year yielded a record production of wheat, resulting in a record procurement by government agencies. The full granaries provide a sense of security to the country during the Covid-19 crisis. Yet, farmers continue to be on the warpath.
For over six months, farmers mostly from Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh have been camping at Delhi’s borders—defying vagaries of weather, and in denial of Covid-19— demanding the repeal of the three contentious farm laws passed in Parliament in September 2020. Their numbers may have dwindled at the capital’s borders, but their resolve has not.
The agitation, with its scale and strength, has already belied claims that it would fizzle out soon. “There are two options before us. Either to return victorious with the repeal of the laws or sit here till they are,” said farmer union leader B.S. Rawal. “Our resolve has shown that after our delegations went to West Bengal, the political wave changed from pro-Modi to against him. If the prime minister does not listen to our demands, we will go to Uttar Pradesh too.”
Despite calls from various quarters to curtail the agitation in light of the second Covid wave and to get vaccinated, the farmers have largely ignored such suggestions. “We havedone enough to keep our people safe with medicines and immunity building,” said Rajewal.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Themes Of Choice
As Savvy Investors Seek New Avenues, Thematic Mutual Funds Are Gaining Popularity
A golden girl
One of India's most formidable beauties passed away earlier this month. The odd thing is she would absolutely hate this obituary; she hated being written about and avoided publicity for all of her nine decades. Indira Aswani was 93 when she died. But anyone who encountered her, even briefly, was in such awe of her grace and poise, and one could not but remember her forever.
The interest in wine is growing delightfully in India
The renowned British wine writer and television presenter Jancis Robinson, 74, recently came to Delhi and Mumbai to reacquaint herself with India's wine industry. This was the Robinson's fourth visit to India; the last one was seven years ago. On this trip, Robinson and her husband, restaurateur Nicholas Lander, were hosted by the Taj Hotels and Sonal Holland, India's only Master of Wine.
United in the states
Indian-Americans coming together under the Democratic umbrella could get Harris over the line in key battlegrounds
COVER DRIVE
Usage-driven motor insurance policies offer several benefits
GDP as the only measure of progress is illogical
Dasho Karma Ura, one of the world's leading happiness experts, has guided Bhutan's unique gross national happiness (GNH) project. He uses empirical data to show that money cannot buy happiness in all circumstances, rather it is family and health that have the strongest positive effect on happiness. Excerpts from an interview:
India is not a controlling big brother
Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay considers India a benevolent elder sibling as the \"big brotherly attitude\" is happily missing from bilateral ties. He thinks the relationship shared by the two countries has become a model of friendship not just for the region, but for the entire world. \"India's attitude is definitely not of a big brother who is controlling and does not allow the little brother to blossom and grow,\" says Tobgay in an exclusive interview with THE WEEK.
Comrade with no foes
Lal Salaam, Comrade Yechury-you were quite a guy!
Pinning down saffron
In her first political bout, Vinesh Phogat rides on the anti-BJP sentiment across Haryana
MAKE IN MANIPUR
Home-made rockets and weapons from across the border are escalating the conflict