THE peasantry in Punjab is continuously on struggle against the anti-peasant, anti- nation and pro-corporate agriculture Bills passed undemocratically by the Modi led BJP government in the Parliament. All organisations of farmers and agricultural workers with different banners and ideologies have come together to get the three Farm Acts rejected and withdrawn. Entire rural population in Punjab irrespective of their profession is against these Acts. The voluntary support and participation in the ‘Punjab Bandh’ on September 25,  by traders, industrialists, shopkeepers, writers, poets, professionals, folk singers, artists, artisans and organisations of youth and students  shows the total unity of Punjabis against  these draconian Acts . All rail tracks in the state remained blocked for a month. A relaxation has been given for goods trains only from October 22, 2020. The toll plazas continue to be gheraoed and they are not allowed to charge any fee from commuters. Reliance petrol pumps are gheraoed continuously. Establishments of Ambanis and Adanis are being picketed in the state. 

Another major action ‘Chakka Jam’ was organised on October 9, 2020, when entire state came to a stand still. Only emergency services were allowed.  Dharnas are being organised in front of the residences of BJP leaders. BJP leaders are shown black flags and are gheraoed whenever they step out of their homes/offices. State president of kisan morcha, the farmer’s wing of BJP was forced to resign from his post as well as primary membership of BJP. A state general secretary of the party had resigned on this issue earlier. Many more state and district level leaders are resigning on daily basis due to public pressure. The insulting attitude of central government to the farmer’s representatives in New Delhi meeting further vitiated the atmosphere . Even the agriculture minister did not come to the meeting. 

Punjab government and  Congress are openly with the farming community’s agitation from day one. It has further boosted the morale of the agitating peasantry. The adoption of three Farm Bills and Electricity Bill 2020 by Punjab Vidhan Sabha unanimously has strengthened the struggle . Three BJP MLAs remained absent during the session. Punjab CPI(M) welcomed the three Farm Bills and Electricity Bill -2020  adopted by Punjab Vidhan Sabha.  On behalf of Punjab state committee of CPI(M), Sukhwinder Singh Sekhon welcomed the unanimous adoption of three bills rejecting the central government’s forcibly adopted agriculture and electricity  bills. He also congratulated the people of Punjab especially the peasants and agricultural workers for their continued struggle against the Modi government’s anti peasants Farm Acts. He thanked the MLAs of all parties for their one voice on this issue. Sekhon appealed to the governor to give his consent immediately. He assured full support to the Delhi march of farmers on November 26-27, 2020.

Akali Dal  was forced by the peasantry to break its more than 20 years long alliance with the BJP and NDA.  Harsimrat Kaur Badal had to resign from the post of central minister in the Modi government. The farmers organised continuous dharna at Badal village in front of Parkash Singh Badal’s residence. The Akalis also feared of losing  their
main base, the farmers going away from them. It may be mentioned here that Sukhbir Singh Badal, president state Akali Dal had toed the BJP line  in  June 24, 2020  all party  meeting convened by the chief minister . But on the issue of federalism he had talked of seeking legal opinion. Even now they are speaking more against the state government than the central BJP government. The clear and unequivocal stand of the Congress and its government in Punjab has helped it suppress the anti-government sentiment among the people for its failure on law and order, drug menace, unemployment, illegal mining etc. Aam Aadmi Party cadres have become active in Punjab during this period.  BJP has been isolated in Punjab.

All India Kisan Sabha has been organising independent programmes as well as joined the joint agitation programmes in the state. Kisan Sabha leadership has been advised to be vigilant of the activities of separatist and terrorist elements and communal outfits. There is an apprehension of these elements penetrating the peasant agitation. Punjab chief minister has warned the centre of such an eventuality if the agitation prolonged. But the BJP government has not paid any heed to his warning. There seems to be no solution in the near future as is evident from the attitude of the BJP government. The farmers organisations in the state are also determined to fight to the last and are united on this issue. The support from the government will help in consolidating the struggle.

The central government decision to stop plying of goods trains to Punjab has been condemned by all the state political parties and is being viewed as an economic blockade of Punjab by the Modi government. If the Railways do not begin the services soon it may have serious repercussions on centre state relations.