Tension rises following farmer’s death during BJP candidate’s visit

The untimely demise of farmer Surinder Singh during a confrontation with BJP candidate Preneet Kaur in Sehra village has sparked heightened political tensions. While Preneet Kaur suspended all political engagements over the weekend to express condolences for Surinder Singh’s death, leaders from various parties rushed to the scene to offer support.

Congress candidate Dr. Dharamveer Gandhi was among the first to arrive, followed by SAD candidate NK Sharma, Charanjit Singh, AAP MLA Neena Mittal, Gurpal Ghanaur, and other senior leaders, all expressing condemnation over the tragic incident.

In response to the farmer’s death, the police have taken action, filing cases under section 304 of the IPC against Harwinder Singh Harpalpur and unidentified individuals. Farmer union meetings are currently underway, with the post-mortem examination of Surinder Singh’s body expected to take place later today.

Expressing grief, BJP candidate Preneet Kaur canceled her political activities over the weekend as a gesture of solidarity with the bereaved family, reaffirming her commitment to stand by the farmers.

In light of the incident, the Shiromani Akali Dal canceled its Punjab Bachao Yatra scheduled in Rajpura on Sunday, with SAD president Sukhbir Badal expressing solidarity with the grieving family. AAP candidate NK Sharma voiced his sorrow and assured full support for the ongoing farmers’ protests, condemning attempts by national political parties to disturb Punjab’s peace by targeting its food providers.

Reflecting on the incident, Congress candidate Dr. Dharamveer Gandhi and former MLA Har Dayal Singh Kamboj likened the situation to the tragic events in Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh, stressing the democratic right of farmers to protest.

Emphasizing the importance of peaceful protests, BJP state president Sunil Jakhar urged farmers to prioritize the health and safety of their colleagues during demonstrations, cautioning against efforts to sow discord amidst clear video evidence indicating the farmer’s death was due to health complications.