Punjab farmers rise against AAP: Accuse Bhagwant Mann of betrayal, blocked streets, burn effigy

Farmers in Punjab have initiated a protest campaign against the leadership of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, spearheaded by Bhagwant Mann. Demonstrations unfolded in Amritsar on Saturday, March 30, with farmers expressing discontent over the state government’s decisions concerning market committees, culminating in the symbolic burning of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s effigy.

During the protest, farmers labelled Mann as ‘anti-farmer’ and voiced slogans in opposition to his governance. Those gathered near the Golden Gate in Amritsar vowed to confront what they perceived as the authoritarian rule of Bhagwant Mann.

According to the farmers, the AAP administration in Punjab has opted to dissolve 26 market committees, a move deemed detrimental to the interests of farmers and labourers alike. Accusations were levied against Bhagwant Mann, alleging betrayal of the agricultural community.

A protesting farmer articulated, “Farmers and labourers are expressing their dissatisfaction with the Bhagwant Mann government by burning his effigy. The administration, under Bhagwant Mann’s leadership, has betrayed the farmers of Punjab and inflicted harm upon us. Dissolving 26 market committees in Punjab, they have delegated all responsibilities to 9 corporate entities. In protest, we are symbolically burning Bhagwant Mann’s effigy.”

He continued, “To salvage his government, Bhagwant Mann has throttled the voice of Punjabis. I urge traders to voice opposition to the government if they wish to retain their standing in the market. I call upon market committee officials to take a stand against the administration. In due course, we will collectively determine our course of action against the Bhagwant Mann government.”

In another statement captured on video, a farmer remarked, “We will also deliberate on whether to permit the Aam Aadmi Party entry into our villages if this directive is not retracted. Additionally, we caution the Bhagwant Mann government that failure to rescind this decision will result in our continued resistance.”

The farmer from Punjab emphasised that the AAP government has transformed agricultural markets into corporate hubs. He underscored that the authority to purchase, sell, and store wheat for the year 2023-24 has been ceded to corporate entities. He warned of an escalation in protests across Punjab.

Of note, the Punjab state government has amended the Market Committees Act, opting to dissolve market committees for integration with various other departments. This move has incited farmers in Punjab, who now accuse the Bhagwant Mann government of dictatorial tendencies and acting against the interests of farmers and labourers.