As farmers’ protests on the Delhi borders gain ground, the handful of organizations that had led the first pocket of resistance to
alone. TOI takes a look at some of those leading the agitation from the agricultural heartland to the capital, either alone or as part of a conglomerate.
Top Punjab Organizations Driving Agricultural Unrest
BKU Ekta Ugrahan
Punjab’s largest farmers’ organization in terms of cadre force has branches in 12 districts, but the Malwa region is its stronghold. Joginder Singh Ugrahan, its president, was the first among the leaders of the agitation to receive a call from Interior Minister Amit Shah a few days ago.
BKU Ekta Dakonda
A major force in the Barnala, Bathinda and Mansa districts in the Malwa region. Buta Singh Burjgill is its current president.
BKU Lakhowal
One of the oldest agricultural organizations in the state with influence in the Malwa region, but centered in the Ludhiana district. President Ajmer Singh Lakhowal had been chairman of Punjab’s agricultural marketing board during the previous term of the SAD-BJP government. His son Harinder Singh Lakhowal is currently the more active of the two.
BKU Rajewa
It used to be a prominent farmers union, but has since lost ground to new entrants. Its president Balbir Singh Rajewal, however, retains his influence among the farming community.
BKU Sidhupur
Another Malwa organization with a strong presence in the cotton belt comprising Bathinda, Muktsar and Mansa. It is directed by Jagjit Singh Dallewal.
Krantikari Kisan Union
Regarded as one of the toughest organizations involved in the agricultural unrest, its boss Darshan Pal has been a key negotiator on behalf of the agricultural unions.
Krantikari Kisan Union
Based in the Rampura Phool area of Bathinda, the Krantikari Kisan Union (Surjit Singh Phool) has a following in the Malwa region.
Kirti Kisan Union
It mainly represents small farmers and agricultural workers. Led by Nirbhai Singh, it has a large presence in Faridkot and some influence in the other districts of Malwa.
Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee
Predominantly active in the Majha region, with Amritsar and Tarn Taran as its pocket districts. Led by Satnam Singh Pannu, this organization protests separately.
Kisan Sangharsh Committee, Punjab
Established in 2000, it began to lead or participate in protests against the acquisition of land. Kanwalpreet Singh Pannu is his boss.
Punjab Kisan Union
Concentrated on Mansa but has grown in stature during the course of the turmoil. Its president, Ruldu Singh Mansa, has posed problems for farmers for more than four decades and is known to be close to CPI (ML) Liberation. He had initially refused to meet with Amit Shah.
BKU Kadian
Directed by Harmeet Singh Kadian, one of the young faces of the agricultural upheaval. The organization has made inroads into the Malwa region for the past 15 years.
BKU Mansa
A new but influential cog in the wheel of the farm protests. It mainly comprises cadres that were previously part of other organizations. Bogh Singh Mansa heads the union.
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