Kisan Aandolan

The Kisan Aandolan, or farmer protests in India, has seen two phases. The first phase, Kisan Aandolan 1.0, took place from November 2020 to December 2021. The second phase, Kisan Aandolan 2.0, occurred from February 2024 to March 2025. Both protests aimed to address farmers’ concerns but differed in execution, support, and outcomes.

Kisan Aandolan 1.0

Kisan Aandolan 1.0 was marked by extensive participation from farmers across northern India. Protests were staged at Delhi’s borders, particularly Singhu, Tikri, and Kundli. The main demand was the repeal of three controversial farm laws. After 380 days, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the repeal on November 19, 2021, leading to a celebratory lifting of the dharna on December 9. The protest garnered massive public support, with contributions from various sectors, including industries and professionals. Tragically, over 750 farmers lost their lives during this period.

Kisan Aandolan 2.0

Kisan Aandolan 2.0 saw farmers protesting at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders between Punjab and Haryana. Led by Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and the non-political faction of Samyukta Kisan Morcha, this protest demanded a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) and included 11 additional demands. Despite the support of the SKM, the protest lacked the widespread public backing seen in the first phase. Approximately 45 farmers died during this 400-day protest, which ended with a forceful police eviction.

Public Support and Economic Impact

Public support was crucial in Kisan Aandolan 1.0, with contributions from local industries and communities. In contrast, Kisan Aandolan 2.0 faced criticism from urban populations and local businesses. The protests hampered Punjab’s economy, causing damage to local infrastructure and businesses. Many viewed the protests as detrimental to the state’s economic health, leading to calls for stricter regulations on such demonstrations.

Mode and Nature of Protests

Both protests employed the “Dilli Chalo” slogan, seeking a venue in Delhi for their demonstrations. However, Kisan Aandolan 2.0 remained confined to Punjab, resulting in localized economic distress. The second phase featured a more aggressive stance, with reports of tear gas use by Haryana security forces, leading to injuries among protesters. The protests were marked by a sense of urgency but lacked the cohesive strategy that characterised the first phase.

Leadership and Arrests

Leadership during Kisan Aandolan 2.0 was fragmented, with many leaders from KMM and SKM non-political facing arrests. Despite this, some leaders vowed to continue their struggle for farmers’ rights. The protests brought into light the ongoing challenges faced by farmers in India and the complexities involved in negotiating with governmental authorities.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Examine the socio-economic factors that led to the Kisan Aandolan 1.0 and Kisan Aandolan 2.0.
2. Discuss the role of public support in the success of social movements, taking the Kisan Aandolan as an example.
3. What were the key demands of Kisan Aandolan 2.0? How did they differ from those of Kisan Aandolan 1.0?
4. Critically discuss the impact of government policies on farmers’ protests in India, with suitable examples.

Answer Hints:

1. Examine the socio-economic factors that led to the Kisan Aandolan 1.0 and Kisan Aandolan 2.0.

1. Economic distress among farmers due to low crop prices and high input costs.
2. Previous government policies perceived as unfavorable, particularly the introduction of new farm laws.
3. Increased debt levels among farmers leading to suicides and social unrest.
4. Growing awareness and organization among farmers through unions and collective action.
5. Regional disparities in agricultural development, particularly affecting Punjab and Haryana farmers.

2. Discuss the role of public support in the success of social movements, taking the Kisan Aandolan as an example.

1. Kisan Aandolan 1.0 received extensive backing from various sectors, including urban populations and industries.
2. Public donations in the form of food, funds, and supplies were crucial for sustaining the protest.
3. Support from professional groups (doctors, lawyers) lent legitimacy to the movement.
4. Kisan Aandolan 2.0 faced public criticism and a lack of support, limiting its effectiveness.
5. Public perception can influence the political response to social movements.

3. What were the key demands of Kisan Aandolan 2.0? How did they differ from those of Kisan Aandolan 1.0?

1. Kisan Aandolan 1.0 primarily demanded the repeal of three farm laws.
2. Kisan Aandolan 2.0 focused on a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) and included 11 additional demands.
3. 1.0 had a strong, unified leadership under Samyukta Kisan Morcha, while 2.0 was fragmented.
4. 1.0 aimed for national-level negotiations in Delhi, whereas 2.0 was localized in Punjab.
5. The success of 1.0 led to a more aggressive stance in 2.0 due to perceived failures in addressing ongoing issues.

4. Critically discuss the impact of government policies on farmers’ protests in India, with suitable examples.

1. The introduction of the three controversial farm laws in 2020 sparked widespread protests, leading to Kisan Aandolan 1.0.
2. Government’s failure to address farmers’ concerns about MSP and debt exacerbated tensions.
3. Inconsistent policy responses, such as the quick repeal of laws during 1.0, created distrust among farmers.
4. Forceful eviction of protesters during 2.0 brought into light the government’s hardline approach.
5. Long-term agricultural policies need to consider farmers’ welfare to prevent future unrest.