In the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic, the most sustained mass mobilization by farmers in the history of post-independence India has finally forced the neoliberal, hard-right Hindu nationalist government of Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to back down and repeal the three farm laws that were the key cause of the protests.

In 2020, Modi’s government rammed these laws through as ordinances to avoid parliamentary discussion and scrutiny. It has now proposed setting up a new Commission to discuss agricultural reforms. The Commission will include five representatives selected by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (United Farmers Front or SKM) — this is the umbrella body, comprising more than forty farmer organizations, that has led this year-long agitation.

How should we assess the impact of this victory? Even as we salute the heroism of the farmers who fought on despite the loss of more than seven hundred lives and applaud their remarkable determination and organizational skills, we should be realistic about the possibilities that are now opening up.