Overview On January 26, 2026 , farmers under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) organized tractor marches at several places in Punjab . The primary aim was to press for their demands, notably the withdrawal of the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025 . This action mirrors the Republic Day protests in 2021 when farmers stormed the Red Fort, demonstrating the continued intensity of farmer grievances. Key Developments Demands of the Farmers Withdrawal of the Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2025: Farmers are concerned about potential impacts on electricity subsidies and privatization. Repeal of the Seeds Bill 2025: Concerns revolve around seed quality regulation and access. Repeal of Labour Codes: Farmers are seeking protection of labor rights. Restoration of MGNREGA: The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act is crucial for rural employment. Legal Guarantee for MSP: Ensuring a minimum support price for crops is a key demand for income security. Protest Locations and Leadership Hoshiarpur: Members of the Doaba Kisan Committee organized a tractor march in Mukerian, led by Avtar Singh Bobby . Dasuya: Farmers marched through key areas before culminating near Basra Hospital. Tanda: Farmers, led by Jangveer Singh Chauhan , protested against “anti-farmer” decisions. Moga: A march was taken out in the Dharamkot area with participation from various farmer unions. Statements and Accusations Leaders like Jangveer Singh Chauhan and Prithipal Singh Guraiy criticized the Centre for its “anti-farmer” decisions, accusing it of promoting privatization of cooperative institutions. They also warned against the overpricing of fertilizers. UPSC Relevance GS2: Government Policies and Social Justice The farmers' protest and their demands directly relate to government policies concerning agriculture, electricity, and rural employment. The issues surrounding the Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2025 and the demand for a legal guarantee of MSP are particularly relevant. GS3: Economy and Agriculture The protests highlight the economic challenges faced by farmers and the importance of policies like MSP and MGNREGA in ensuring their livelihoods. The concerns about the Seeds Bill 2025 also touch upon agricultural inputs and productivity. Exam Perspective Potential Mains Questions Analyze the socio-economic factors contributing to farmer protests in India. Evaluate the potential impacts of the Electricity (Amendment) Bill on the agricultural sector. Discuss the role of MSP in ensuring food security and farmers' welfare. Potential Essay Themes The agrarian crisis in India: Causes, consequences, and solutions. The role of social movements in shaping public policy in India.