Prime Minister Narendra Modi today announced the repealing of three controversial agriculture laws which had led to a year-long farmers’ protest. The decision comes just months ahead of Punjab assemble elections, which indicates the move is for the “welfare” of BJP, not Annadatas.
With its continuous winning strokes in Punjab, first Kartarpur corridor reopening and now repealing of farm laws, BJP has revived its chances in upcoming state elections. PM Modi in an emotional
tone, making the big announcement that too on the day of Guru Purab shows BJP is on its 'A Game' for state polls.
Eyes on farmers’ vote bank
Farmers dominate the political spectrum in Punjab.
Punjab has a total of 117 assembly seats. There are 40 in the city, 51 in the suburbs, and 26 in the countryside. In both rural and semi-urban assembly seats, the farmers' vote bank
determines whether they win or lose. In such a situation, BJP had no choice but to repeal the law before the Punjab elections.
Punjab is divided into three regions: Malwa, Majha, and Doaba. In Malwa, there are a total of 69 seats. Malwa has a majority of rural seats, which are dominated by farmers. This region is
crucial to the formation of Punjab's government.
Doaba has 23 seats which are majorly dominated by Dalits. Majha, which has 25 seats, is dominated by Sikhs.
Significance of agriculture in Punjab
Punjab's economy fully depends on agriculture. Punjab's agricultural and industrial sectors are intertwined. As agricultural practices enhance, the market for agricultural goods
and machinery such as tractors expands.
Also Read: Modi-led govt bows down to Farmers protest, PM says failed to convince a section of farmers
The agricultural sector employs over 75 percent of the people in Punjab, directly or indirectly. Farmers, labourers working in their fields, traders who buy their crops, along sellers of
fertiliser and pesticides are the people directly involved in the sector.
At the same time, the transportation industry is largely dependent on agriculture. Traders and agencies buy the crop from farmers and supply it to others, thus making a significant boost
in the transportation industry.
An attempt to appease Sikhs
Aforementioned, Prime Minister announced the repealing of three farm laws on the auspicious occasion of Guru Purab.
Guru Purab also known as Guru Nanak Jayanti, is a festival widely celebrated by the Sikh community across the world. It is one of the most sacred festivals for Sikhs as it marks the birth
anniversary of Guru Nanak, who established Sikhism.
The announcement was made on Guru Purab to establish an emotional connection with the Sikh community in Punjab. Notably, about two days ago, on November 17, the Modi government reopened
the Kartarpur corridor for pilgrims.
The corridor provides a visa-free entry to Indian pilgrims to visit the Kartarpur Darbar Sahib (resting place of Guru Nanak Ji) in Pakistan.