India’s Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi is arriving in Punjab on 23 and 24 May for his election campaign. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has scheduled his rallies in Patiala, Gurdaspur and Jalandhar. However, amidst the increasing tensions between the BJP and the farmers, farmer unions have called an emergency meeting to brainstorm strategies to protest against the Prime Minister in Punjab. This includes future plans for protest and its method as per reports.
Farmers to meet Shubhkaran's death case investigation committee
A meeting of Patiala district of United Kisan Morcha has been called today i.e. May 20 scheduled for around 2 PM. According to reports, strategy regarding PM Modi’s program in Punjab will be prepared. United Kisan Morcha leader Darshan Pal Singh says that the meeting of Patiala district is fixed. There will be discussion regarding the struggle.
Along with this, farmers' opinion will also be taken regarding the mega rally to be held in Jagraon on 21 May by United Kisan Morcha.
PM Modi’s first rally is scheduled in Patiala. However, farmers have made it clear that they are already unhappy with BJP’s senior leadership. The Jagraon Maha-Rally is likely to see a decision regarding the PM Modi in Punjab matter.
On the other hand, farmers will also meet the committee investigating the death of Shubhkaran Singh today. Shubhkaran had been killed in the protest at Shambhu border when a rubber bullet hit him on the head. At the same time, today the meeting of other unions will be held in Chandigarh at 1 pm.
BJP leaders were invited for a meeting in Chandhigarh but none showed up
Earlier, last month a program was organized in Chandigarh by the United Kisan Morcha calling for a discussion with the BJP leaders about farmers' issues. But when none of the BJP leaders turned up, the farmers answered questions by putting photos of five BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on chairs.
The farmers said that they had given full opportunity to the BJP leaders to present their side. But no one has listened to them, prompting to choose this path of protesting. However, BJP has been saying from the first day that it is serious about the farmers' issue. In this matter, the Central Ministers have come to Chandigarh to hold numerous meetings with the farmers.