Olympian Vinesh Phogat is set to join the farmers’ protest at the Shambhu border as the movement, demanding a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP), reaches its 200th day on Saturday, August 31. The farmers’ protest, which began on February 13 after their march to Delhi was blocked by authorities, continues to push for legal assurances on MSP for all crops and other critical issues. Protests are also scheduled at the Khanauri and Ratanpura borders.
Vinesh Phogat, a prominent athlete and a vocal supporter of the farmers’ cause, will be honored during the day’s events. Her involvement comes after a difficult month in her wrestling career. Despite reaching the final of the women’s 50kg event, she was disqualified before the final for breaching the 50kg weight limit, leading to her retirement announcement on August 7. Vinesh’s plea to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for a joint silver medal was ultimately dismissed.
Amritsar district farmer leader Baldev Singh Bagga expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the government, stating that repeated attempts to engage with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh have gone unanswered. “As Modi enters his 11th year in office, rather than addressing our demands, the government continues to suppress the voice of farmers,” Bagga said.
Kisan Mazdoor Morcha convenor Sarvan Singh Pandher has urged farmers to gather in large numbers at the Shambhu and Khanauri points on August 31. Pandher emphasized that the farmers will once again present their demands to the government, with new announcements expected during the event.
Farmers Demand Action Against Kangana Ranaut
The farmers have also called for strict action against Bollywood actress and Member of Parliament Kangana Ranaut, whose past remarks have incited controversy and anger within the farming community. They have urged the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to take a firm stance against her.
Additionally, the farmers hinted at unveiling their strategy for the upcoming Haryana elections, indicating their intention to take an active role in shaping the state’s political future. Their next steps are expected to be announced soon.
