Comparing Kisan Aandolan 1.0 and 2.0

March 22, 2025

The Kisan Aandolan, or farmers’ movement, in India has seen two phases – Kisan Aandolan 1.0 and Kisan Aandolan 2.0. The first protest took place between November 2020 and December 2021, while the second unfolded from February 2024 to March 2025. Both protests aimed to address farmers’ grievances but differed vastly in their execution and outcomes.

Background of Kisan Aandolan 1.0

Kisan Aandolan 1.0 was marked by a large-scale sit-in by farmers at Delhi’s borders. Farmers demanded the repeal of three controversial farm laws. The protest lasted 380 days and saw public support. Over 750 farmers lost their lives during this period. The movement was led by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, a coalition of over 500 farmer unions. The government ultimately repealed the laws on November 19, 2021, following intense negotiations.

Background of Kisan Aandolan 2.0

Kisan Aandolan 2.0 began on February 13, 2024, at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders between Punjab and Haryana. This protest was led by the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and SKM non-political. Farmers sought a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) and had 11 additional demands. Unlike the first protest, this movement lacked widespread public support.

Differences in Public Support

Public support played important role in the success of Kisan Aandolan 1.0. Various sectors, including industry and urban communities, contributed resources. In contrast, Kisan Aandolan 2.0 faced opposition from urban residents and local businesses. Many viewed the protest as detrimental to Punjab’s economy, leading to calls for stricter laws against such protests.

Methods of Protest

Both protests employed similar methods, including calls to “Dilli Chalo.” However, Kisan Aandolan 2.0 remained confined to Punjab, resulting in local economic strain. Farmers faced aggressive police responses, including tear gas shelling, which injured over 450 individuals. The protest’s aggressive nature contrasted with the largely peaceful approach of the first movement.

Government Response and Outcomes

The government’s response to Kisan Aandolan 2.0 was markedly different. Police actions led to the forced eviction of farmers from protest sites. Leaders of KMM and SKM non-political faced arrests, while ongoing negotiations yielded little progress. The lack of a unified front among farmer unions further complicated the situation.

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