Farmers Movement Archive

Punjab farmers rejoice at poll outcome

Tribune News ServiceChandigarh, May 2A sense of joie de vivre has gripped protesting farmers and farm leaders since the results for the elections to four state Assemblies and a union territory were declared today, especially as the Samyukt Kisan Morcha had campaigned against the BJP in West Bengal.A decisive defeat of the BJP in West Bengal is being interpreted by them as the first important step that could force the BJP-led Centre to reopen dialogue with them.At the same time, the imposition of a complete lockdown in Haryana for a week, is being eyed with suspicion that it could be used to harm the kisan morcha on the Delhi borders. Though the farm leaders believe that the Centre and/or the BJP government in Haryana would not use the Covid threat to forcibly lift the morcha, they have upped their defences. Many farmer leaders believe that lockdown could impact the joining of more farmers at the protest sites, as free movement could be restricted.Balbir Singh Rajewal, president, Bhartiya Kisan Union (Rajewal), said though there were clear directions of the SC that no force could be used on those protesting peacefully, they were prepared for any eventuality. “The government dare not use force or it will face the consequences. We are hopeful that there could be some climbing down by the Centre. Just as farmers campaigned against the BJP in Bengal, they will start doing so in UP, where the panchayat polls are due,” he said.Dr Darshan Pal, president, Krantikari Kisan Union, said a false narrative was being built that the congregation of farmers should be dispersed to stop transmission. “We ensure social distancing and distribute Vitamin tablets among protesters, besides serving concoctions to boost immunity.”

The Tribune

2021-05-03