Two years after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and workers faced widespread protests across Punjab in the aftermath of the now-repealed farm laws, the reverberations of those tumultuous events still echo loudly in the State, and that too in the run up to the crucial Lok Sabha polls, slated for June 1 in Punjab. The saffron party is currently grappling with significant opposition in Punjab as farmer leaders organize protests, show black flags and raise anti-government slogans, wherever their candidates go for campaigning. Compounding their challenges, numerous villages have taken a decisive stance by erecting posters and banners that prohibit the entry of BJP leaders and even workers.
The development unfolded against the backdrop of ongoing farmer protests, particularly at the Shambhu border between Punjab and Haryana. Under the banner of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM-non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), farmers are rallying to voice their grievances, as a part of their ‘Dilli Chalo’ campaign. They were originally en route to the national capital to demand legal guarantees on Minimum Support Price (MSP) promised by the Centre, but were halted in their tracks, prompting them to stage a protest at the inter-state border.
On Sunday, farmer opposition was directed towards former Union Minister Preneet Kaur, BJP candidate from Patiala and the wife of former Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh. As Preneet arrived in Patiala for election campaigning, farmers gathered there and forced her convoy to halt. They raised slogans against the BJP and demanded her retreat. Even before reaching the event venue, her vehicle was stopped by the farmers. Police intervened to extricate her from the crowd safely. Following this, she proceeded to the campaign site and addressed party workers.
On Friday, BJP candidate Taranjit Singh Sandhu had also faced opposition in Ajnala. Sandhu, a former IFS officer who switched to the BJP, was campaigning with former Akali Dal MLA Amarpal Singh Bonny Ajnala. However, as their convoy entered the town of Thoba in Ajnala, farmers encircled their vehicles. As the situation grew tense, police had to intervene to ensure the safe passage of Sandhu's convoy.
Farmer unrest targeted Sufi singer Hans Raj Hans, BJP candidate, in Faridkot. Hans had arrived at Baba Farid Teela for campaigning. However, upon learning about his presence, farmers surrounded him, expressing their dissent.
Village Bans BJP Entry
Further exacerbating the situation, two villages in Sri Muktsar Sahib district — Bharu and Daula — have enforced a ban on the entry of BJP leaders within their precincts, in solidarity with the ongoing farmers' movement.
Residents of Daula village under Giddarbaha tehsil, stated that they will not permit BJP leaders to enter their village if farmers are prevented from proceeding to Delhi. The decision was reinforced during a meeting organized by the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta-Ugrahan), led by Gursevak Singh, along with other senior leaders.
The ban has been symbolically represented by boards and banners installed in the villages, warning BJP leaders against entry. It read, “Kisaana da dilli jaana band hai; Bharatiya Janta Party da pindaan vich aana band hai (loosely translated as farmers not allowed to go to Delhi; BJP not allowed to enter villagees).”
Residents of these villages emphasized their commitment to prevent BJP leaders from entering their village, echoing the sentiment that if farmers are barred from proceeding to Delhi, BJP leaders too should be denied access to the villages. Farmers have also reiterated their resolve to oppose any BJP leader or worker attempting to campaign in their villages.
The ongoing farmer agitation, primarily demanding minimum support price guarantees for their produce, has seen repeated clashes with authorities. Despite rounds of negotiations with Union Ministers, the impasse remains unresolved.
As Punjab gears up for elections, the BJP's campaign faces formidable challenges amid escalating farmer protests and village-level opposition, signaling a tough battle ahead for the saffron party.
The farmers’ opposition in Punjab have gained momentum in recent weeks, significantly impacting the BJP's election campaign in the State. The protests, spearheaded by various farmer unions, have targeted BJP candidates and leaders, disrupting their events and generating widespread attention.
