Farmers Movement Archive

Sukhbir visits Gill constituency, faces farmer protests

Ludhiana: After making rounds of several urban constituencies, Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Badal on Sunday visited areas under Gill constituency in support of party candidate Darshan Singh Shivalil. However, the Akali team had to face protests by several farmers who had gathered outside a resort where Sukhbir was supposed to address a rally. They showed black flags at Sukhbir Badal, and also argued with policemen present at the spot. One of the protestors also alleged that his turban was removed during the tussle, but the police has refused to comment on the matter. The protesters maintained that the dharna was peaceful, but even then the police removed them from the spot. On the other hand, the police claimed that they were deputed to avoid any clash and they did their best to maintain the law and order situation.Congress leaders have also attacked the Akali Dal over the incident, and claimed that black flags are waived at Sukhbir each and every time he visits a rural area. District Congress president Ashwani Sharma said, “This is the reason Sukhbir is visiting Ludhiana urban areas time and again, because whenever he goes to rural areas, people protest against him. They have lost their ground among rural voters which used to be their strength some years back.” He said that the Akali Dal had supported the BJP over agriculture bills, and farmers will never forget this thing. However, Akali Dal MLA Manpreet Ayali countered the allegations, “There was great response to the rally and other programmes by voters in Gill constituency. People are not happy with the Congress because promises made by Captain Amarinder Singh were never fulfilled. As far as these protests are concerned, these are not farmers, but opposition party members who want to harm the Akali Dal.”

The Times of India

2021-11-15

Ludhiana