Farmers Movement Archive

Akali Dal on ‘course correction’ in Punjab, say political analysts

The decision of the Shiromani Akali Dal to come out of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) amid farmers’ protests over the new farm sector Bills is being seen as “course correction” that could help the party regain its voter base across Punjab. The SAD, which initially supported the agriculture-related ordinances but later took a U-turn and decided to vote against the farm Bills in Parliament, had been under pressure to quit the NDA not just from the Opposition parties but even from within as many senior leaders cautioned the top leadership over possible backlash that the party would have to face in the 2022 Assembly election against the backdrop of the ongoing farmer’s agitation. Political analysts believe the SAD’ s decision to pull out of the NDA may help it manage its fast losing farmers constituency, however, how and to what extent it will help the SAD win over the farmers and farm labourers is too early to count. “Historically, two issues had been at core for the Shiromani Akali Dal. First, the party in mid-sixties had taken a position surrounding federalism — they evolved regional agenda surrounding ‘Punjabi Suba’ movement and demanded more rights for States. Second, Punjab predominantly being agrarian society, the Akali Dal started articulating the interests of agriculture sector and farmers. Now, any regional party that leaves its local agenda goes into oblivion and the Akali Dal was facing that problem,” said Pramod Kumar, director of the Institute for Development and Communication, Chandigarh. Ronki Ram, Shaheed Bhaghat Singh Chair Professor of political science at Panjab University, points out that the decision of the SAD to come out of the NDA may help it to manage its fast losing farmers constituency.

The Hindu

2020-09-28

CHANDIGARH