Unity
among farmers in Punjab powered
protests
on New Delhi's outskirts in 2020-2021, pressuring BJP-led central govt to revoke three controversial
farm laws
. However, it has undergone significant shifts in two years, with groups fragmenting and new alliances forming.
Fresh permutations and combinations surfaced among
farm groups
, diverging pathways as farmers began returning home in Dec 2021 following annulment of the farm laws. Disagreements intensified, resulting in multiple splinters within groups. Number of active farmer organisations have surged close to 50, a stark contrast from 32 that united in Nov 2020 to collectively challenge the laws.
As they embark on another round of protests in Delhi this Feb, it has been noticed that proliferation of divisions has caused confusion when various groups issue protest calls, despite their shared objectives, primarily centred on securing a legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP).
Farmer movement, stemming from 32 unions under the banner of Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), has fragmented into distinct entities - SKM (Punjab), SKM (Non-political), and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM).
These apart, 22 unions under SKM formed Sanyukt Samaj Morcha (SSM) on Dec 25, 2021, with the intention to contest Punjab assembly elections. Balbir Singh Rajewal assumed leadership of SSM. Three major farm organisations of Punjab - BKU (Ekta Ugrahan), BKU (Ekta Sidhupur), and BKU (Ekta Dakaunda) - refrained from joining SSM.
However, soon after its inception, many organisations began withdrawing from SSM. As the decision to contest the elections backfired, SSM lost momentum, dwindling down to five farm groups. This bloc, led by Rajewal, merged with SKM on Jan 15, 2024.
Similarly, in Haryana, farm leader Gurnam Charuni established another party, Sanyukt Sangharsh Party, which faced setbacks.
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