The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) has officially called off the ongoing dharnas in Punjab while announcing a new wave of protests scheduled for March 10. The farmers’ organization, which has been at the forefront of several major agitations, made this decision after deliberations with its leadership and grassroots supporters. The focus of the fresh protests will be to intensify pressure on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs, as the SKM continues to demand the fulfillment of promises made by the government to the farming community.
The dharnas that had been taking place in various parts of Punjab were organized to express discontent over unfulfilled commitments related to agricultural policies, procurement assurances, and compensation for crop losses. Farmers had been demonstrating at multiple locations, demanding urgent action from the state government to address their grievances. The protests had drawn significant participation from different farmer unions, reflecting the deep-rooted frustration among agricultural workers.
After weeks of sustained agitation, SKM leaders decided to call off these demonstrations, signaling a shift in strategy. Instead of continuing the sit-ins, the organization has opted for a more direct approach by planning targeted protests against AAP legislators. The decision underscores the mounting pressure on the ruling party to address the concerns of farmers, who form a significant portion of Punjab’s electorate. The move also indicates that the farmers’ struggle is far from over, and they remain resolute in their demands for justice and policy reforms.
The planned protests on March 10 are expected to be more aggressive and localized, with demonstrations being held outside the residences and offices of AAP MLAs. The objective is to hold elected representatives directly accountable for the issues affecting the farming community. SKM has accused the state government of making tall promises during elections but failing to deliver meaningful solutions for farmers. The anger among agricultural workers has been fueled by delays in compensation for crop damage, the lack of a concrete policy on MSP (Minimum Support Price), and unfulfilled assurances regarding loan waivers.
Farmers have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of key agricultural issues. The protests will serve as a reminder to the ruling party that the farming community is unwilling to be ignored. Many believe that the government’s inaction is forcing them to take to the streets again, reminiscent of the large-scale protests that took place during the movement against the now-repealed farm laws. The SKM’s decision to mobilize protests against individual lawmakers is a strategic move aimed at increasing pressure and forcing the government to engage in meaningful dialogue.
The upcoming demonstrations are likely to witness significant participation from farmers across the state. The SKM has been actively mobilizing support, reaching out to various farmer organizations and unions to ensure a strong presence at the protests. They have also called upon the people of Punjab to stand in solidarity with the movement, emphasizing that the issues at hand affect not only farmers but the broader rural economy.
The government, on the other hand, is expected to face a challenging situation as the protests escalate. The AAP administration has been attempting to navigate through multiple issues, including economic concerns and governance challenges. However, the farmers’ movement presents a significant political test for the party, which had positioned itself as a pro-farmer government during the elections. The inability to address agricultural distress could lead to a loss of credibility among voters, particularly in rural Punjab, where farming remains the primary occupation.
The announcement of fresh protests has also sparked discussions within political circles about the potential impact on the upcoming elections. With general elections on the horizon, the growing dissatisfaction among farmers could influence voter sentiment. Opposition parties have been quick to seize the opportunity to criticize the government, accusing it of neglecting the concerns of Punjab’s farmers. Political analysts believe that the outcome of these protests could shape the electoral landscape in the state.
SKM leaders have reiterated that their movement is apolitical and solely focused on securing justice for farmers. However, the political ramifications of their agitation cannot be overlooked. The ability of the government to respond effectively to the protests will determine its standing among Punjab’s agrarian population. If the administration fails to take concrete steps, the unrest could escalate, leading to larger and more prolonged demonstrations in the future.
As the March 10 protests draw closer, the atmosphere in Punjab remains tense. Farmers are gearing up for what they describe as a decisive moment in their struggle for rights and recognition. The SKM’s call for intensified action sends a clear message to the ruling party—farmers will not back down until their demands are met. The success of the protests will depend on the level of participation and the response from the government. Whether the AAP administration chooses to engage in dialogue or continues to delay action remains to be seen.
For now, the farmers’ movement remains strong, with SKM leading the charge against what they see as government inaction. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the future course of this struggle. The government’s response will be closely watched, as both supporters and critics assess whether meaningful steps will be taken to resolve the crisis. Until then, Punjab remains on edge, with the fate of its farmers hanging in the balance.