Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, September 18
With all the political parties in Punjab trying to prove that they are the most farmer-friendly, the farmers have rejected their offer to join their state riot.
Since the beginning of this week, all the prominent farmers’ unions have been protesting against the three agricultural bills passed by the Lok Sabha. Two major dharnas are taking place, one in Patiala, CM Capt Amarinder Singh’s hometown, and the second in Badal village, in front of the residence of Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal. Farmers have also been besieging national and state highways.
Balbir Singh Rajewal, president of BKU (Rajewal), said they want to fight on their own. “There is no way that we will receive the support of politicians, who change their color once voted for power. If farmers can feed the whole country, they can also fight for their cause and stop the country. Any politician who does not support us and favors these bills, will receive a lesson, “he said.
Preparing for a joint meeting of all the major farmers’ unions in Moga tomorrow, Jagmohan Singh Patiala, general secretary of the Bhartiya Kisan Union (Dakaunda), said they are not impressed by the political histrionics and change of position on the bills. “At stake are our livelihoods and the future of agriculture as a viable employment path. Politicians, who transcend party lines, only care about their votes. Once they are elected, they forget about the farmers and start favoring the companies. After all, our votes help them get to power and corporate money keeps them in power. That is why we have rejected the offers of politicians to be part of our protests, ”he said.
Yesterday, a delegation from the AAP offered to support the farmers’ six-day dharna in the village of Badal. Sukhdev Singh Kokrikalan, secretary general of BKU (Ekta Ugrahan), said they flatly rejected the offer. “Politicians want to use our protests for their political gains. Just as we are protesting, let these parties also launch similar agitations if they support us. Your political statements will not be enough. If they are serious, they must do much more to save the agricultural economy, ”he said. In the next few days, the unions intend to start “rail roko” campaigns, while a full call has been given for September 25th.
