麻豆社

In June 2020, the Indian government introduced, with little warning, three laws aiming to loosen decades long-rules protecting farmers from the free market. This triggered protests by farmers across India, who believe the new laws will result in lower prices and ruined livelihoods. Tens of thousands marched to Delhi in November and there was also a nationwide strike in support of their cause. Two hundred and fifty million people took part across the country, making it arguably the world鈥檚 largest ever protest.

Even after the Supreme Court stayed the laws until further notice, the farmers say they aren鈥檛 budging until they are repealed completely. Jayati Ghosh, Professor of economics at the University of Massachusetts, explains why this is such a difficult moment for Modi's government.

Photo: Indian farmer sit on the day long hunger strike as take part in ongoing protest New Delhi