The ongoing farmer agitation in Ghadsana, which has been centered at the New Mandi for the past 31 days, has taken a dramatic turn towards a direct confrontation with the administration. After the 9:15 PM deadline set by the protesters expired without a written consensus on their demands, Hanuman Beniwal, the Supremo of the Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) and Member of Parliament, officially announced a march towards the Sri Ganganagar district headquarters. This announcement has triggered a massive movement of thousands of farmers, who have begun their journey in a large convoy of tractors, cars, and other vehicles, causing significant administrative and police ripples across the entire region.
The Escalation and Security Measures
As the clock struck 9:15 PM and no written agreement was presented by the authorities, the farmers, under the leadership of MP Hanuman Beniwal, commenced their march towards Ganganagar. To prevent any untoward incidents and maintain law and order, the administration has deployed a heavy police force along the entire route. Solid barricading has been established at various strategic points to manage the influx of protesters. Thousands of farmers from the Anupgarh, Khajuwala, and Ghadsana regions, who had been camping at the Dhanmandi, are now on the move. The atmosphere is charged with high spirits and resentment following Beniwal's addresses. In response to the sensitive situation, specialized units including the Quick Response Team (QRT), Rajasthan Armed Constabulary (RAC), and additional police security companies have been placed on high alert.
Economic Impact and Public Support
The 'Khet Bachao-Kisan Bachao' (Save Farm-Save Farmer) Struggle Committee has received significant local support, with the Sanyukt Vyapar Mandal (United Traders Body) keeping markets in Ghadsana and surrounding towns completely closed. This shutdown of commercial establishments, combined with the massive farmer march on the highways, has brought regional economic activities and traffic to a complete standstill. Earlier, while addressing the massive gathering at the Dhanmandi, MP Hanuman Beniwal criticized the government and the administration. He stated in no uncertain terms that this struggle is for the rights and self-respect of the farmers. Beniwal asserted that the victory in this movement would belong solely to the farmers, and if there were any failure, he would take personal responsibility. He further warned that until the government meets the demands, they won't budge, and the next stage of the protest would involve a direct siege of the Secretariat in Jaipur.
Core Demands and Agricultural Crisis
The protest comes at a critical juncture as the sowing season for Rabi crops is underway, while farmers have expressed grave concerns that if irrigation water isn't provided immediately, their crops will be entirely destroyed. The primary demands of the agitators include addressing the water shortage in the Anupgarh branch canal system to ensure adequate supply reaches the tail-end and implementing a permanent 6-month irrigation regulation. Also, farmers are demanding equal water distribution across at least two out of four groups to save their crops, a special survey (Girdawari) for crops damaged in the previous season to ensure immediate compensation, and a solid written agreement approved at the state government level.
Timeline of the Agitation
According to farmer leader Narendra Maan, the movement for irrigation water and other four-point demands began on September 10. Initially, farmers held demonstrations and presented their grievances to the administration. When no solution was provided, they launched a sit-in (Mahapadav) in front of the Ghadsana Sub-Divisional Office on September 18. Since then, the movement has expanded Notably, with farmers halting administrative work and continuing their protest. Despite several rounds of talks between the struggle committee, administrative officials, and government representatives, a final consensus and written agreement remained elusive until the current escalation.
Negotiations and the Way Forward
In the tense nighttime atmosphere, intelligence agencies and senior administrative officials are reportedly in constant contact with farmer leaders to find a middle ground. However, as the convoy moves towards Sri Ganganagar, the responsibility now lies with the state government. If a swift and significant decision isn't made at the Jaipur level, a major confrontation at the district headquarters appears imminent. Previously, on Friday evening, a round of talks was held at the Ghadsana Panchayat Samiti involving leaders like former minister Surendrapal Singh TT, Nihalchand Meghwal, and MLA Gurveer Singh Brar, while during these talks, the farmer delegation raised issues regarding regulation changes, crop damage compensation, insurance claims, and action against negligent irrigation officials. While farmer leader Narendra Maan described the talks as positive and noted that government representatives promised initiatives within a day or two, the farmers remain steadfast in their demand for a formal written agreement before ending their march.