BJP is not welcome: farmers’ posters in Punjab villages

In the heartland of Punjab, where agriculture reigns supreme and the parliamentary elections loom large, agitated farmers have mobilized to block the entry of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders at village entrances, signalling a storm of dissent against the ruling party, according to a report by The Wire.

The agitation sparked when the BJP announced six candidates for the 2024 parliamentary elections in Punjab, triggering discontent among the farming community embroiled in a protracted struggle for their rights, particularly concerning the legal assurance of Minimum Support Price (MSP).

The agitation gained momentum as farmers across villages started putting up posters adorned with bold slogans, echoing their defiance against the saffron party. Slogans like 'Kisana da Delhi jana band hai, BJP da Pinda vich auna band hai' (Farmers are barred from entering Delhi, BJP is banned from entering villages) reverberated through the fields, expressing the collective anger and frustration of the agrarian community.

The tragic death of young farmer Shubhkaran Singh, allegedly shot dead by security forces at Khanauri border during a protest for MSP, served as a rallying cry for farmers, with his memory honoured in posters and banners, symbolizing the sacrifice of those fighting for their rights and fuelling the fire of dissent even further.

As the anti-BJP sentiment spread like wildfire, videos emerged on social media platforms depicting villagers questioning the Modi government's policies and expressing their resolve to boycott the BJP. In some instances, posters explicitly banned the entry of BJP leaders into villages, signalling a united front against what farmers perceive as oppressive policies.

Leaders of various farmers' unions echoed the sentiments of the grassroots movement, emphasizing the growing discontent among farmers. They called for a complete boycott of the BJP in the upcoming elections, vowing to hold the party accountable for its actions.

Amidst the uproar, senior BJP leaders attempted to downplay the situation, attributing the dissent to the misinformation spread by farmers' unions. They maintained that the BJP would continue its outreach efforts, undeterred by the village bans and posters.

But the farmers remained resolute, firm in their stance to challenge the BJP's dominance in Punjab's political landscape. With the elections drawing nearer, the stage was set for a showdown between the farming community and the ruling party.

In a historic display of unity and defiance, farmers across Punjab have embarked on a mission to challenge the dominance of the BJP in the upcoming parliamentary elections. With posters plastered across village entrances and slogans echoing through the fields, the agrarian community has vowed to boycott the saffron party and its allies.

At the forefront of this movement are various farmers' unions, including the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), whose non-political stance has garnered widespread support among the farming community. Their call for action, fueled by the memory of fallen comrades like Shubhkaran Singh, has resonated deeply with villagers across Punjab.

The decision to ban BJP leaders from entering villages represents more than just a political statement; it's a symbolic gesture of defiance against what farmers perceive as oppressive policies and neglect from the ruling party.

As posters bearing slogans like 'Naujawan Shubhkaran Singh ate kisana di katil sarkar BJP-RSS ate used hor rajnitik sathiya da es pind vich boycott hai' (The killers of young Shubhkaran Singh, farmers and their allies are boycotted in this village. BJP-RSS No Entry) dot the landscape, the message is clear: the farming community will not be silenced.

In response to the growing dissent, senior BJP leaders have attempted to quell the unrest, dismissing the village bans as mere propaganda orchestrated by opposition parties. However, their reassurances have fallen on deaf ears, as farmers remain steadfast in their resolve to hold the BJP accountable for its actions.