NEW DELHI: Farmers in Punjab have started putting up posters in a bid to stop Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders from entering their villages ahead of this month’s general election, in which India’s ruling party is seeking a third consecutive term in power.
Posters reading “Farmers are barred from entering Delhi, BJP is banned from entering villages” have surfaced across Punjab, referencing a February rally where police blocked entry points to the Indian capital as farmers attempted to take their protest thereafter failed negotiations with the government.
Avik Saha, a member of the national coordination committee of Sanyukt Kisan Morcha, a coalition of over 40 Indian farmers’ unions, explained the sentiment behind the campaign, stating, “If you don’t allow us to come to our capital, just then see what we can do in our village. You close Delhi for us, then the villages are also closed for you. We have put up posters in almost all villages of Punjab.”
The farmers’ movement gained momentum in 2021-22 when tens of thousands camped on major highways leading to New Delhi to protest against laws deregulating the agriculture sector. Despite the eventual rollback of the legislation, grievances persist over unmet promises, including higher incomes for farmers.
Sarwan Singh Pandher, leader of the All India Kisan Sangarsh Coordination Committee, remarked on their strategy, stating, “If they won’t engage us in talks, then we will protest. This is our strategy. We want to show how undemocratic this party is.”
The sentiment extends beyond Punjab, resonating with farmers across India’s rural landscape, where living standards have seen little improvement under the BJP government. Punjab, a significant contributor to the country’s food grain production, holds considerable sway in shaping political narratives.
Prof. Ronki Ram, a political scientist from Punjab University, highlighted the potential impact of farmers’ resentment on the election outcome, stating, “Punjab always throws surprises, and it does not go with the popular national trend.”
Responding to the farmers’ campaign, the BJP asserted the right to protest but emphasized the importance of democratic participation in the electoral process.
