Rural India unimpressed by farm law repeal

Farmers' perception regarding their future well-being is obviously linked to the outcome of their agitation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a surprising announcement on November 19 that the government would repeal the three contentious farm laws in the winter session of Parliament. The farm laws have been resolutely and tenaciously opposed by farmers’ organisations for about a year. The government’s stance towards the determined but peaceful opposition has been obstinate, disproportionately heavy handed and often menacingly fierce. The Prime Minister’s announcement to backtrack was therefore, surprising across the political divide on the subject.

A remarkable fallout of the announcement was the measured response of the farmers’ organisations. They did not break into the bhangra to