Tractor Rally

Tractor rally refers to large-scale protests or demonstrations where farmers and supporters use tractors as a symbol of their struggle, often to voice their grievances against government policies. One of the most notable tractor rallies in recent times occurred during the 2020-2021 Indian farmers' protest, where farmers, mainly from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, organized tractor rallies to protest against three controversial farm laws introduced by the Indian government.

The protests gained widespread attention, with a significant event being the Republic Day Tractor Rally on January 26, 2021, where thousands of farmers drove tractors into Delhi to pressure the government to repeal the laws. The rally saw clashes between protesters and police, with several incidents of violence and chaos, which resulted in widespread media coverage and debate.

Tractor rallies have since become a symbol of farmer resistance in India, representing the power of collective action by rural communities to protect their rights and livelihoods.

In February 2021, BOOM investigated a viral image claimed to show a farmer injured after clashes with police during the January 26 tractor rally in Delhi.

BOOM found that the image of the injured Sikh man was unrelated to the farmers' protest and had been falsely linked to the clash between farmers and police.

In February 2021, BOOM investigated a viral image falsely claimed to show student activist Amulya Leona at the farmers' protest.

BOOM found that the image was actually of Valarmathi, a student activist from Tamil Nadu, who went to support farmers at the tractor rally on January 26. The viral image misidentified her as Amulya Leona.