From hinterland to Hollywood, Indian farmers galvanise their stir

A wave of global support for the months-long protests has complicated matters further for the Modi government.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is struggling to beat back his biggest political challenge in years from a protest movement that began with disgruntled farmers travelling to New Delhi on tractors and is now gaining wider support at home and abroad. Simmering in makeshift camps housing tens of thousands of farmers since last year, the movement has seen dramatic growth in recent weeks, getting backing from environmental activists, opposition parties and even A-list Western celebrities. At its heart are three new farm laws passed by the government last September, thanks to the majority Modi’s right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) enjoys in the lower house of Parliament.