Over 1 lakh farmers to attend mahapanchayat in Jagraon today
LUDHIANA: Over 1 lakh farmers from 31 unions will converge at the New Grain Market in Jagraon on Thursday to hold a Maha Panchayat and develop consensus on the course of action for the farming community in its long-drawn agitation to get the Centre to repeal the three farm laws. This is the firstof-its-kind panchayat in the state.
Farm leaders Rakesh Tikait, Balbir Singh Rajewal and Darshan Pal are expected to participate in the Maha Panchayat. Arrangements were in full swing on Wednesday, with a massive stage being erected at the venue. Police have beefed up security to avoid any untoward incident.
Mahinder Singh, president, Bharitya Kisan Union Dakonda, said preparations were in full swing. “We are getting the word out among the entire farming community to attend the Maha Panchayat and make it a grand success,” he added.
Rajewal, chairman of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha, said the Maha Panchayat was being organised to develop a consensus among all farming groups on their strategy related to the agitation.
Political parties are also keeping a close eye on Thursday’s event. Sources said talks were on
FARM LEADERS RAKESH TIKAIT, BALBIR SINGH RAJEWAL AND DARSHAN PAL ARE EXPECTED TO PARTICIPATE
to end the differences between farmer unions and formulate a united front for farmers in the state.
“The outcome of the Maha Panchayat could have interesting implications for the state. Farmers are the backbone of Punjab’s economy and politics. To date, only some farmer organisations are backed by political groups. If a united front is formed, the government will be compelled to introduce farmercentric policies to please their vote bank,” said PS Bhogal, a political science professor.
A number of social activists are also participating in the Maha Panchayat.
“It is a great initiative and is the need of the hour. Only through a combined and united effort, we will be able to force the government to repeal the laws. We are hoping that something positive will come of the event,” said Ranjodh Singh, an industrialist and social activist, who has been instrumental in mobilising city residents, and highlighting the flaws in farm laws.