BKU Ugrahan Ends Paddy Procurement Protest, Announces New Campaign for Punjab Bypolls
Sangrur, Punjab – November 3, 2023: After two weeks of protests across Punjab, the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ugrahan) today ended its demonstrations against the delayed paddy procurement and lifting process. The agitation, which began on October 18, had seen farmers rallying across multiple locations, including the homes of prominent political leaders and several toll plazas, demanding faster procurement of paddy to prevent further distress for farmers.
The dharnas, led by the influential farmers’ union, took place in several regions: at BJP leader Arvind Khanna’s residence in Sangrur, near the home of Cabinet Minister Aman Arora in Sunam, and outside Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s office in Dhuri. Protests also targeted the offices of Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema in Dirba and Cabinet Minister Barinder Goyal in Lehra.
While the main protests at these locations have concluded, the BKU (Ugrahan) has shifted its focus toward a new campaign aimed at upcoming Assembly bypolls in Punjab. The union announced plans to hold “pucca morchas,” or continuous sit-ins, outside the homes of BJP and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidates in constituencies where bypolls are scheduled. However, the protest at the Kalajhar toll plaza near Bhawanigarh and the Chotian toll plaza in Lehra will continue, as the farmers’ grievances regarding paddy procurement delays remain unresolved.
BKU (Ugrahan) press secretary Jagtar Singh Kalajhar explained that the union will now mobilize its members to hold pucca morchas at the residences of BJP and AAP candidates contesting the Assembly by-elections in Barnala, Chabbewal, and Dera Baba Nanak, and Gidderbaha. This shift in focus represents the union’s attempt to raise awareness and pressure political leaders as they campaign for election.
Kalajhar elaborated that in Barnala, the pucca morchas will commence on November 4 outside the residences of BJP candidate Kewal Singh Dhillon and AAP candidate Harinder Singh Dhaliwal. He indicated that these continuous sit-ins would serve as a reminder of the farmers’ grievances with both state and central authorities.
The primary issue raised by BKU (Ugrahan) leaders is the persistent delay in paddy procurement and lifting, a process that has been moving at a sluggish pace in grain markets. Farmers have expressed frustration over the slow pace, which they say has led to significant financial losses and prolonged waiting times.
In addition to the pucca morchas for the bypolls, the BKU (Ugrahan) plans to hold a massive rally on November 3 at the Kalajhar toll plaza near Bhawanigarh. This rally is expected to draw thousands of farmers from various districts to reiterate demands for improved procurement processes. According to Kalajhar, the event will emphasize the urgent need for systematic changes to ensure timely procurement and efficient handling of paddy crops, aiming to alleviate the financial burden on farmers who rely heavily on a smooth supply chain.
The slow procurement process has been a longstanding issue for Punjab farmers. Paddy, one of the state’s major crops, requires efficient handling due to its high volume and the need for immediate processing and storage. Farmers typically sell their paddy to state agencies and private players, who then facilitate the lifting and storage. When this process is delayed, farmers face logistical and financial difficulties, as they are unable to clear their fields for the next planting cycle.
Farmer leaders have voiced concerns that delayed procurement results in additional costs, including extended storage expenses and the potential for crop spoilage. Many feel that the state government and procurement agencies need to work more efficiently to meet the demands of the agricultural cycle, which is crucial for farmers’ livelihoods.
Although BKU (Ugrahan) activists have lifted their protests from the residences of political leaders, they continue to maintain a strong presence at toll plazas, which have become symbolic protest sites for farmers across Punjab. Senior vice-president of BKU (Ekta Ugrahan), Gurmeet Singh Mannewala, confirmed that toll plaza protests at Kalajhar and Chotian would persist.
These toll plazas have been strategic sites for farmers’ protests, serving as highly visible locations that capture public attention. The tactic has historically been effective for the BKU, drawing widespread support from local residents and keeping pressure on the state government to address farmers’ concerns.
Amid the ongoing protests, another tragedy unfolded as a farmer lost his life at the Shambhu protest site. Balwinder Singh, a 72-year-old farmer from Moga, died after falling severely ill at the site. Balwinder, who owned three acres of land, was first taken to a hospital in Rajpura and later referred to a hospital in Patiala before being moved to the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI) in Chandigarh, where he succumbed to his illness on Friday night.
The death of Balwinder Singh has added a somber note to the protests and has intensified calls from farmer unions for the state government to recognize the hardships faced by aging farmers who are actively participating in the demonstrations. Farmer leaders mourned his passing, emphasizing the urgent need for the government to provide adequate healthcare and support services to protesting farmers, many of whom are elderly and facing health challenges amid harsh protest conditions.
The BKU (Ugrahan) has underscored that the protests and pucca morchas are driven by the need for an efficient procurement process that aligns with the agricultural cycle. Leaders have repeatedly pointed out that the delays in paddy procurement have disrupted farmers’ income and operations, leaving many struggling with financial instability.
In response, union leaders have called on the state government to streamline procurement operations and implement structural reforms in the agriculture department. They also demand increased transparency and accountability from procurement agencies to prevent similar delays in future harvest seasons.
The ongoing protests and upcoming pucca morchas are likely to place significant pressure on political candidates ahead of the Assembly bypolls. Given the critical role of farmers in Punjab’s economy and electoral landscape, candidates from both BJP and AAP are expected to address the issues raised by BKU (Ugrahan) and other farmer unions.
State officials, including Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, have stated that efforts are underway to improve procurement speeds and address farmer grievances. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen, particularly as farmers’ unions have previously expressed dissatisfaction with government assurances.
As the BKU (Ugrahan) redirects its protest efforts towards political candidates, the union has reinforced its commitment to achieving lasting change in Punjab’s agricultural sector. With mounting issues of delayed procurement, inadequate support for aging farmers, and logistical challenges, the union’s focus has shifted towards pressing political figures for more concrete solutions.
The massive rally planned for November 3 and the sustained protests at toll plazas serve as reminders of the farmers’ resilience and determination. The protests highlight the persistent issues plaguing Punjab’s agricultural infrastructure and underscore the need for systemic reform. As the bypolls approach, the BKU (Ugrahan) hopes to amplify farmers’ voices, pushing candidates and the state government to prioritize agricultural welfare and address long-standing issues in paddy procurement.
The coming weeks are likely to be crucial, both for Punjab’s agricultural community and the state’s political leaders, as they navigate the complex landscape of farmer demands and electoral pressures.
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