Why the BJP may choose to bury the controversial farm laws now -Sanjay Kumar

-Livemint.com

A section of the BJP’s own supporters, and its vocal middle class base appears opposed to the controversial farm laws

In 2015, the first Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) central government unveiled an ambitious reform to overhaul India’s land acquisition laws that would have enabled corporations easier access to land across the country. But faced with intense protests from Opposition parties, the changes were rolled back.

In 2020, the second Modi-led government unveiled equally ambitious reforms in India’s farm laws that would have made it easier for companies to buy directly from farmers, bypassing traditional middlemen and mandis. Despite protests from Opposition parties, a challenge in the Supreme Court, and months-long farmer protests at the borders of Delhi, the centre stood its ground, offering concessions, but not repeal.

Now the tide may be turning. Data from recent post-poll surveys conducted by the Lokniti-CSDS team show significant support for the protesting farmers across states that held elections recently. Disquiet about the new farm laws extends to the BJP’s supporters. At a time when the ruling party’s popularity has seen a dip, the party may find it prudent to cut its losses, and roll back the unpopular farm laws.

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