DNA ANALYSIS: Raje pacifies RSS-backed farmer’s stir, rises above peers

While violence and chaos marked the Mandsaur farmers’ agitation, Rajasthan saw a peaceful end to the stir. The situation saw a government that subtly utilised every resource available at hand to diffuse the situation that could have turned politically volatile. The government and BJP machinery was cleverly deployed to prevent the stir from spreading and gaining momentum. Efficient fire fighting by all key players who also stayed on the same page was a vital reason for the smooth closure of talks and end of the agitation.

While the administration cancelled officers’ leave and asked them to ensure peace, the BJP deployed its ministers in-charge of districts to camp in their areas and establish contact with the farmers and the representatives of the Bhartiya Kisan Sangh BKS that was spearheading the stir.

What made the negotiations critical was that BKS is from the RSS stable. The other body was Kisan Mahapanchayat whose leader is Rampal Jat, again a former BJP man. The Opposition, led by the Congress chief Sachin Pilot too had joined the farmers cause with successful show of strength. The agitation led by the RSS backed BKS was tackled by putting RSS strongman Kataria at the helm of talks with the …read more