OPINION
KEEPING THE FARMERS’ UNREST POT BOILING –SADLY A WIN WIN SITUATION FOR ALL POLITICANS
Farmers are adamant and are encircling Delhi for repeal of New Farm Laws.GOI is adamant saying that it will not repeal but do amendments, if warranted after discussions with farmer’ leaders .
The winter chill, notwithstanding, the protestors are undeterred by the cold weather and so are the Delhi rulers undeterred by the current political weather on this account. Delhi Establishment always saying it’s own ‘Mann Ki Baat’ is oblivious about the ‘Public Ke Mann Ki Baat’ even as lacs are on roads.
Keeping the farmers’ unrest pot boiling, it appears it suits all political parties at least in Punjab besides farmers themselves. It can be understood like this.
How it suits BJP/NDA?
This party has been successful to a large extent to push the rural-urban divide agenda deep at least in Punjab politics with a view to capture urban votes mainly of service, trading and industry class not directly connected with agriculture, but who are badly impacted with the current agitation.IThe CENTRE appears deliberately weekening Punjab by prolonging the deadlock in resolving the issue.
How it suits Congress?
The present Government in Punjab has already taken the tactical position by passing a resolution against laws and passing it’s own laws (pending for Governor’s consent).Notwithstanding, it having worked quite effectively against Covid challenge and also streamlining online education in schools in these times , it still has to face ire of the people on many a developmental issues, since it is already starved of funds .
How it suits Akalis?
Feel that it is time to consolidate their vote bank once again to retrace it’s core vote bank in villages. It kept ashamedly supporting the Farm Bills till last day, but opted out of Central Cabinet after increasing opposition in the State. This way it is able to hide the erstwhile food minister’s incompetency too for giving any fruitful scheme in Food Processing domain except benefitting only the existing big wigs. By giving call on Panthic platforms, it certain will continue to influence the rural farming class for consolidating vote bank politics which is perhaps a God sent opportunity for them .
How it suits Aam Aadmi Party?
Born out of Anna Hazare movement, it spares no time in criticizing all the existing political parties and it’s members often cite strengths of Delhi Govt. which they hope can influence the agitating minds of Punjabis for finding the alternative in politics. AAP this way is also putting under carpet the internal party bickering and dissent against party’s Delhi Bosses.
Communists, how they too benefit?
Every economic unrest in the society /classes comes handy for them to exploit the situation to their advantage by extending support to such groups explicit or implicit. Their winning argumentative nature failing to translate into votes since long, notwithstanding, they thus keep their presence felt. The Centre has already spoken about their infiltration in farmers’ protests which Farmers leaders deny
Other political groups, how do they benifit ?
Other political parties like BSP and splinter groups of all parties in Punjab are also tactically keeping themselves on margins and can strike a surprise when the real test in elections comes.
HOW FARMERS BENEFIT FROM CONTINUED AGITATION?
It is for the first time that farmers’ outfits numbering 30s are at least united temporarily with a minimum common program to fight Delhi for repeal of Farm Laws. Despite December Chill, their Agitation will be worth the sacrifices as this will give them:
- A status quo of existing farm operations for under the current APMC act for assured MSP for Paddy/Wheat plus other freebees of Water and Electricity as they get currently. They are saved off hassles of innovation even as there is no constructive proactive support either from the Central Govt. or the State but only tall talks.
- An opportunity to befittingly challenge all political class since they know the strength of their numbers..
We must find answer to an emerging common question, if this all is good for the masses at large ?
—-By Brij Bhushan Goyal (Satlujian)
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