Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) president Joginder Singh Ugrahan has asserted that the Central Government capitulated to pressure from farmers, leading to the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Ugrahan’s statement followed the conclusion of a CJP-led protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on Saturday.
The Chenab Times has learned that Ugrahan, in a video message released on Sunday, characterized the development as a victory for the protesters. He called upon farmers across Punjab to observe July 27 as a day of celebration at all district headquarters, aligning with a program previously announced by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM).
Ugrahan indicated that the farmers’ impending participation in the protest at Jantar Mantar was a significant factor in the government’s decision. His union, he stated, had already commenced preparations for a proposed protest in Delhi. These preparations included the collection of essential ration supplies and the arrangement of transportation for a substantial number of participants. The union leaders had publicly announced their intention to travel to Delhi for the protest during a meeting held in Bathinda on Friday.
The context for Ugrahan’s claim relates to ongoing farmer agitations and their demands directed at the Union Government. While the specific details of the alleged pressure or the exact circumstances surrounding Minister Pradhan’s resignation were not elaborated upon by Ugrahan in the provided statement, his pronouncements position the farmers’ collective action as a successful means of influencing government decisions. The protest at Jantar Mantar, organized by the CJP, has been a focal point for various farmer groups seeking to voice their concerns and exert pressure on national policy matters.
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), a coalition of farmer unions that played a prominent role in the year-long protests against the now-repealed farm laws, continues to be a significant platform for coordinating farmer actions. Its announcement of programs, including the planned July 27 event, demonstrates its continued influence and organizational capacity. The directive for celebrations at district headquarters across Punjab suggests an effort to maintain momentum and demonstrate widespread support for the farmers’ agenda, even following specific developments such as the alleged resignation over perceived pressure.
The logistical arrangements for a protest in Delhi, as described by Ugrahan, involve considerable planning, including the mobilization of resources like food supplies and vehicles. This underscores the scale of commitment from unions like the Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan), which claims to be the largest farmers’ union in Punjab. Their readiness to commit resources for a Delhi-based protest highlights the seriousness with which they approach their advocacy efforts and their willingness to engage in direct action to achieve their objectives.
The mention of Bathinda as the location where senior leaders announced their departure for Delhi on July 27 places the regional focus of these preparations. Bathinda, a district in Punjab, is a significant agricultural hub and has been a centre for farmer mobilization in the past. The announcement from this locale signifies the grassroots engagement efforts undertaken by the union to rally support and participation from its membership.
While the claim of the central government bowing to pressure is a strong assertion from the farmer leader, it is framed within the broader narrative of farmers’ rights and their ability to effect policy changes through sustained protest and organizational strength. The upcoming events planned for July 27 are likely to be closely watched for further indications of farmer mobilization and their ongoing engagement with the government.
The Chenab Times News Desk