THE INDIAN FARMERS’ PROTEST: TO WHAT EXTENT DID THE 2020 FARMERS’ PROTEST INFLUENCE THE LEGITIMACY OF INDIA?

India's 2020 Farmers' Protest was one of the largest protests the world has ever witnessed. It was organised by Indian farmers in response to the passage of three farm regulations in 2020. Protestors claimed that these laws failed to address rural distress issues. Consequently, few critics claim that India's legitimacy has consistently diminished as a result of the protest. This research paper seeks to comprehend the connection between the 2020 farmers' protest and India's legitimacy. Utilising surveys of farmers and the general public in addition to online secondary research, a qualitative research design was employed. This study addresses the primary causes of the protest and the effect of the government's response on its legitimacy. In addition, the paper discusses the major outcomes of the protest and the public's perception of the government's response.