The Delhi border regions have become the hotbed of farmers’ protests  since November 26, 2020. In the protests, such media houses, who are allegedly affiliated and oriented to the government, are not being allowed to interview the farmers and the leaders. But, the farmers are giving interviews and expressing their views over other media channels and digital platforms. In one such interview held at the Delhi-UP border after the seventh round of talks, Rakesh Tikait put forth the farmers’ stance in crystal clear terms, without mincing any words.

Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait clearly stated that the farmers are in no mood to return to their homes and villages empty handed. In an interview held after the recently held inconclusive meeting (7^th round) between the farmers and the GOI, Tikait made it abundantly clear that the farmers will not go back to home-ghar wapasi, without making the government repeal the three contentious farm-laws which have so many faults. Taking a jibe at the government in the context of the pandemic, Tikait stated that the anti-dote for the protests is repealing of the farm-laws, nothing less.

The farmer-leader stated that government can do whatever it thinks fit, but the farmers would not back down until the laws are repealed. He asserted that there are more than 500 farmer-unions across the country and that the farmers are planning for a tractor march on January 06. The farmers have also planned for a large-scale tractor march on Republic day. The farmer-leader stated that the matter would resolve only with the repealing of the three laws and that no official order can deter the farmers away from the protests.   Tikait went on to say that even if the Police are sent to fire upon the farmers, then also the farmers would not turn their back, but rather face and take the bullets on their chest. On the deliberations by the government, he added that the government is trying to create a divide between the farmer unions, which would not be successful, as the farmer-leaders are now extra careful about how to interact with the government during the talks. He stated that the current regime at the centre is nothing but the spawn of the colonial masters who want to serve just their own interests.