Why Punjab's Biggest Farmers Union, BKU Ugrahan, Continues to Protest Amid Repeal of Farm Laws

While many farmer unions across India have ceased their protests with the repeal of the contentious farm laws, Punjab's largest farm union—BKU Ugrahan—remains active. In this article, we explore why the union, which operates in approximately 16 districts, is persisting with its demonstrations. We will uncover the reasons behind their ongoing resistance, their pending demands, and the broader implications of their actions.

Continued Protests and Public Demonstrations

The BKU Ugrahan union has been staging indefinite dharnas since December 20th in 15 districts, including 12 deputy commissioners (DCs) offices and 4 SDM offices. Additionally, the union has burned effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 649 villages ahead of his January 5 rally in Ferozepur. These actions underscore their commitment to their cause and demonstrate the depth of their dissatisfaction with government actions and policies.

Reasons for Continued Protests

The farmers from BKU Ugrahan believe that the repeal of the three farm laws does not solve their grievances. They argue that the repeal is merely a cosmetic change, and issues related to distress in farming remain unresolved. The union claims that the state government, under Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, is treating farmer concerns with casualness.

Pending Demands and Demoralization of Farmers

The farmers have six major demands which were initially promised to be addressed. These include:

Compensation for damaged crops Compensation for families of deceased farmers Legal guarantee for Minimum Support Prices (MSP) Removal of Ajay Kumar Teni from his ministry position Mention of farmer benefits in all government schemes Improved financial and logistical support for farmers

Notably, the state government has been slow in implementing these promises, leading to frustration among farmers. Many BJP leaders, including the Agricultural Minister Tomar, have acknowledged that the government has taken a step backward by repealing the 3 black farm laws, as these laws were intended to protect small farmers and pave the way for a more corporate-friendly agricultural landscape.

Public Discontent and Political Implications

These ongoing protests have intensified the public sentiment against the BJP. Many voters are tired of political promises that lack tangible results, often referred to as "false promises" or "jhoote assurance" in Hindi. The farmers are determined to defeat the BJP in upcoming elections in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. They have learned that the BJP's rule poses significant risks to their future and well-being, especially in the agricultural sector.

Conclusion

The ongoing protests led by the BKU Ugrahan reflect the complexity of agricultural policies in Punjab and the stark political realities faced by farmers in India. These demonstrations highlight the need for more concrete and actionable policies to address the issues at hand. The government and political parties must take heed of the farmers' demands and work towards ensuring a future where farmers are not left in distress, but are instead supported and valued.