Punjab farmer unions turn against AAP over agricultural market takeover

Two prominent farmer unions in Punjab, namely Bharatiya Kisan Union Ekta Ugrahan and Bharatiya Kisan Union Ekta Sidhupura, have shifted their stance towards the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) following their recent clash with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This shift comes as the Ugrahan Union announces plans for a protest in Chandigarh on April 8, led by the United Farmers Front, targeting the Punjab government’s agricultural policies.

In a significant development, Joginder Singh Ugrahan, the state president of the union, criticized the Punjab government for its initiation of corporatization in agricultural markets, citing the allocation of 7,25,000 tons of wheat to corporations in the initial phase. He highlighted the merger of 26 markets and yards into neighboring markets over the past nine years as part of this process, surpassing not only the BJP-led Modi government but also demonstrating allegiance to corporate entities. Urging against complacency, Ugrahan cautioned the people of Punjab, warning that such detrimental decisions made during electoral campaigns could pave the way for further detrimental policies favoring imperialism post-election. The announcement of a regional rally in Chandigarh on April 8 by the United Farmers Front signifies a united front against the AAP government’s actions.

Similarly, Rann Singh Chattha of the Sidhupura Union expressed strong opposition, labeling the move as a direct assault on farming, and hinted at repercussions for the AAP in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. This shift in stance underscores growing discontent among farmer unions in Punjab, with the issue of mandi mergers taking center stage. It signals potential challenges ahead for the AAP government, particularly in the Malwa region, with implications for the broader political landscape and potential gains for other political parties.