Haryana Farmers Unleash Growing Anger on BJP: Can the Party Hold Its Ground?

Chandigarh: In Haryana, farmers are increasingly coming together to voice their concerns and prepare for direct engagement with political leaders, particularly the BJP. With growing discontent over several issues, they are organizing training sessions to sharpen their ability to ask hard-hitting questions, especially regarding the police actions during the “Delhi Chalo” protests. The deep-rooted anger stemming from these events continues to fuel their activism, setting the stage for heightened political confrontations.

Training Sessions for Farmers

Leading these training efforts is farmer leader Amarjit Singh Mohri. During these sessions, farmers are being guided on how to confront BJP leaders with pointed questions about police actions during the Delhi protests. The farmers remain perplexed and angered by the use of tear gas and live bullets against them. They are preparing to ask BJP leaders why their paths were blocked and why their peaceful protests were met with force.

Heated Encounters

In recent weeks, several BJP candidates have faced the ire of the farmers. Notably, in Fatehgarh village, Pawan Saini was surrounded by a group of farmers who blocked his way with tractors. Similarly, prominent BJP figures such as Anil Vij and Gyan Chand Gupta have been met with protests. The anger among farmers has escalated, particularly following the death of Subhakaran Singh during the protests.

Unanswered Questions on Police Action

The memories of the “Delhi Chalo” movement remain fresh for the farmers. They recall the heavy police presence and the use of tear gas to disperse protesters. Many farmers claim they were intimidated, with threats that their passports and visas would be canceled if they continued to protest. These unresolved issues have left a deep sense of resentment toward the government.

Calls for Calm and Focus

During a recent meeting in Mardon Sahib, farmer activist Navdeep Jalbheda emphasized the need for calm during these confrontations. He advised the farmers to remain composed while asking questions, ensuring that discussions do not escalate into conflict. Another farmer, Manjeet Singh, suggested that in addition to questioning police action, they should raise concerns about the rising costs of farming and demand legal guarantees for the Minimum Support Price (MSP).

Broader Community Discussions

These farmer meetings are also providing a platform for discussing other pressing issues. Jalbheda highlighted the growing problem of rural youth migration, urging parents to ensure their children remain engaged in farming. Mohri warned of the dangers of mounting debt from loans taken through commission agents, stating that once a farmer falls into debt, it becomes an unending cycle.

 Emphasizing Farmer Unity

Mohri also stressed the importance of unity among farmers, calling for a collective push for legal guarantees on MSP by October 3. Following this, the farmers gathered at the local gurdwara for a communal meal, reinforcing their solidarity.

Growing Anger and Political Implications

As these meetings continue across the districts of Ambala, Kurukshetra, Yamunanagar, and Kaithal, the farmers’ frustration is palpable. Their anger is becoming a significant concern for the BJP, especially with elections on the horizon. The Congress Party, too, is taking note of the growing unrest. Former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has pledged to engage with farmers if Congress comes to power, positioning the party to capitalize on this discontent.

BJP’s Response

In response to these developments, BJP leader Naib Singh Saini defended the party, asserting that the BJP remains the farmers’ best hope. He reminded the public that under the Congress regime, farmers were only offered meager compensation of two rupees for their losses, contrasting it with the BJP’s policies.

 The Path Ahead

The farmers of Haryana are becoming more organized and vocal in their demands. As the election season nears, the political landscape in the state is being shaped by the growing assertiveness of the farming community. Their grievances and calls for justice will likely become pivotal in the political discourse. Ignoring their demands may prove costly for any party looking to secure electoral success in Haryana.