Farmers Movement Archive

Punjab farm groups likely to announce a political front today

BATHINDA: Nearly two dozen Punjab farm groups are expected to form a political front, or even a party, on Saturday and join electoral politics. According to reliable sources, the new political entity is likely to carry the word “Sanyukt” in its name just as the Haryana-based BKU, led by Gurnam Singh Charuni, named its political wing the Sanyukt Sangharsh Party. Farm leaders ready to participate directly in electoral politics have been asked to be in Chandigarh, where an announcement is expected to be made, on Saturday. Anywhere between 20 and 25 farm groups are expected to be part of this political entity. Senior farmer leader Balbir Singh Rajewal is likely to be entrusted with leading the campaign. Sources said at a later stage this political front may ally with AAP. Farmer leaders Ruldu Singh Mansa and Sukhdarshan Natt confirmed that farm leaders interested in electoral politics had been asked to reach Chandigarh on Saturday. They said nothing could be said for sure but nearly two dozen farmer groups are expected to participate. They added that the name of the entity might include the word “Sanyukt”. A number of farm groups has been keen on participating in the upcoming assembly elections in Punjab by forming an outfit. Most of them were not in favour of a tie-up with traditional parties such as Shiromani Akali Dal, Congress and BJP. A large number of people and many organisations, including a front comprising former IAS, IPS, Army, and provincial services officers, have been urging farm groups to join active politics. However, BKU (Krantikari) leader Surjit Singh Phool and seven other groups from among 32 farm unions are opposed to the political ambitions of the other Punjab farm leaders. “We have declined to be part of electoral politics and have made it clear that any front or party expected to be formed must not use the name of the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha for electoral gain. If it is done, it will be a violation of the SKM’s rules and we will take note of it,” Phool said.

The Times of India

2021-12-25

India