India’s handling of farmers protests draws criticism in US Congress report

According to a report published by the Congressional Research Service (CRS), the crackdown on dissent has been excessive and reflective of a broader trend towards authoritarianism in India.

“Perceived backsliding in India’s democracy and human rights record may present a challenge for the Biden administration in formulating its policies towards India and the Indo-Pacific,” the report adds.

An official of Biden administration said the report indicates that Narendra Modi government’s handling of the farmer protests has generated some notable level of interest on the Hill.

In November last year, after Indian government passed three farm laws using the governing Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) majority in Parliament, farmer unions and organizations mainly hailing from Punjab and Haryana, have erupted in anger.

On India’s Republic Day, thousands of protesting farmers broke barricades and entered the Indian capital in the form of a tractor rally. The violent clashes between police and demonstrators leaving five dead and hundreds of others injured. Some demonstrators stormed Delhi's historic Red Fort and occupied it until police pushed them back.

The farmers are of the opinion that the law passed by Indian Parliament last September will lead to commercialization of agriculture, making farmers extremely vulnerable to corporate greed. They think that the move would also impact their earnings.

The protesting unions of farmers have also announced a foot march to Parliament on February 01, when the annual Budget is scheduled to be presented.