Reap what is unsowed

Context: Announcement of the repeal of the three farm laws by the prime minister makes it impossible to not see the trajectory of Gurpurab 2021 leading to Punjab and Uttar Pradesh elections 2022.

Intended and perceived function of the farm laws

• Open the agricultural market: Especially for smaller farmers, allowing them to trade their produce outside markets operating under state Agriculture Produce Marketing Committees (APMCs).
• Significant section read the laws’ intent and purpose differently: to weaken the safety net of the APMC markets and lessen the demand for their produce.

Issues associated with repeal of farm laws

• Rollback will hit the image of Modi government: Those supporting the farm laws and even those celebrating the repeal   will see this government in a poor light.. As; this juggernaut can also be made to reverse.
• Will lead to mobocracy: As, anyone who can mobilise a few thousand Indians and block the national highways for a long time can hold the entire nation hostage to its demands. Farmers from states that did not agitate have been punished.
• Rise of identity politics: As, the issue goes beyond farm laws and/or their repeal share and influence of farmers in UP’s political class will increase.
• Political forces will tweak the narrative to its own advantage: That we are capable enough to push government policy back in its hole; we are capable enough to also push our (welfare) policies out into the open.
• Policy paralysis like rollback culture in earlier administrations.

Conclusion: GoI is claiming that repealing the law is listening to the voice of the people’. But is shows the government in poor light.

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