Farmers Movement Archive

Charuni suggests ‘Mission Punjab’, again snubbed by state leaders

Bharatiya Kisan Union (Charuni) president Gurnam Singh Charuni has again asked Punjab’s farm leaders to take a political plunge and contest the Assembly elections in the state due early next year.In an interview that went viral on social media yesterday, the BKU leader took a dig at Punjab farmer leaders, and appealed to them to start the “Mission Punjab” and present a new model of governance before the country.Punjab leaders, meanwhile, said they would talk to Charuni about his statements.On July 8, he had raised a storm by suggesting “Mission Punjab”, asking farm leaders from Punjab to contest the forthcoming Punjab elections and form a pro-farmer government.In the latest video, the BKU chief said: “Farmers have been protesting for the past seven months, but there seems to be no solution in sight. Punjab leaders have to prepare for the electoral battle because it is the only option to bring a change. If there is a better option, they should adopt that.”He further said farmers had the power of vote to form the government of a political party of their choice. “Why can’t they use the power for themselves?”In some harsh words for Punjab leaders, Charuni said: “They have to think about it (electoral politics) and realise its importance. If they don’t want to understand, they will be equally responsible for the prevailing system.”His remarks have not gone down well with Punjab leaders. Darshan Pal Singh, SKM leader, said: “We are from Punjab and we know better than him what is to be done. Why Charuni is guiding us?”He further said farmers had presented a model by organising a historic and peaceful movement. “It must not be forgotten that there is a difference between electoral politics and people’s movement. The SKM will talk to Charuni about his remarks.”Harinder Singh Lakhowal, general secretary, BKU (Lakhowal), said it was Charuni’s personal views and the SKM had nothing to do with it. “If he wants to explore the idea of taking a political plunge, he should discuss it in the SKM meeting, where 40 farm leaders will decide,” he added.Meanwhile, hundreds of farmers from Uttar Pradesh led by farmer leader Rakesh Tikait reached the Singhu border today.

The Tribune

2021-07-11

Panipat