The Tamil Nadu unit of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) staged a hunger strike in Thanjavur on Wednesday in solidarity with the ongoing farmers’ protest in Delhi, demanding the legalization of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farm products.
Despite farmers protesting in Delhi since November 26, 2024, over various demands, including MSP legalization, the Union government has remained silent on the issue. Though talks were held between union ministers and protesting farmers on February 19 and 22, no firm assurance was given regarding MSP, prompting the farmers to intensify their agitation and seek nationwide support.
With another round of discussions scheduled for March 19, the Tamil Nadu unit of SKM took to the streets, with hundreds of farmers participating in the hunger strike.
Speaking at the protest, PR Pandian, president of SKM Tamil Nadu unit, expressed concern over the prolonged hunger strike of SKM leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, which has continued for more than 100 days. He warned, “If anything happens to him, there will be unimaginable riots across the country.”
Pandian also urged Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin to pressure the Union government into legalizing MSP, emphasizing that it would benefit millions of farmers across the country.