Moga Mahapanchayat strengthens unity and mobilization of farmers

By Harsh Thakor*

On January 9, farmers gathered at the Mahapanchayat in Moga's grain market, arriving on tractor-trolleys, buses, cars, and other forms of transport. The overwhelming turnout forced organizers to expand the venue to accommodate the participants.

Senior Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) leader Prem Singh Bhanghu stated, "The SKM has issued a clarion call for all farmer unions across the country to unite on a single platform and collectively resist the pro-corporate and anti-farmer policies of the Union government. Legal guarantees for Minimum Support Price (MSP) and debt waivers are common demands nationwide, and these can only be achieved through wider mobilization and sustained struggle."

The Moga rally's leadership urged all farmer organizations in Punjab to work in unity rather than address parallel issues independently. A six-member SKM committee will visit the Khanauri border on January 10, accompanied by a 101-member farmers' group, to advocate for unity between the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Morcha and the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political).

Bhangu announced that on January 13, draft copies of the national agriculture marketing policy issued by the Centre to state governments would be symbolically burnt at sub-divisional levels across Punjab. Furthermore, on January 26, a statewide tractor march will press the Central Government to initiate discussions with protesting farmers, aiming to save the life of fasting farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal.

"The new agriculture marketing policy is merely a rebranded version of the previously repealed farm laws, designed to benefit corporations. We have urged the state government to reject this policy in the Assembly," Bhangu added.

Bharatiya Kisan Union (Lakhowal) chief Harinder Singh Lakhowal emphasized, "AAP MPs, MLAs, cabinet ministers, and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann must seek a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address farmers' demands. If denied, they should stage a protest in Delhi."

Lakhowal also called on the Supreme Court to direct the Union government to honor its commitments to farmers and urged the President to grant a meeting to explain the farmers' position.

Prominent leaders addressing the Mahapanchayat included Joginder Singh Ugrahan (BKU Ekta-Ugrahan), Balbir Singh Rajewal (BKU Rajewal), Harinder Singh Lakhowal (BKU Lakhowal), and Rakesh Tikait (BKU spokesperson), among others.

The Samyukt Kisan Morcha passed an "Ekta Resolution," stressing the necessity of unity among unions to push for long-standing demands. The SKM rejected Parliamentary Standing Committee recommendations, accusing them of ignoring the Swaminathan Committee's findings and offering incomplete assurances on MSP.

Future Plans

The SKM will convene a National Council Meeting in Delhi on January 24-25 to strategize future actions. Their key demands include a legal guarantee for MSP, debt relief for farmers and laborers, and the immediate intervention of the Centre to address Dallewal's deteriorating health.

While efforts for unity marked a significant step, the tragic suicide of 50-year-old farmer Resham Singh at the Shambhu border cast a shadow over the movement. Consuming insecticide, Singh left a note declaring his sacrifice was meant to awaken the Modi and Punjab governments. Inspired by Dallewal, Singh's death highlighted the desperation of farmers.

Kisan Mazdoor Manch leader Sarwan Singh Pandher demanded compensation of ₹25 lakh, a government job for the deceased's family, and a loan waiver, vowing not to perform the last rites until the demands were met.

The SKM announced that a six-member Ekta Committee would lead a 101-member team to meet protesting farmers at Khanauri and Shambhu borders on January 10. The initiative includes inviting unions to a joint meeting at Gurdwara Dukhniwaran Sahib in Patiala on January 15.

On January 26, the SKM plans a tractor march across Punjab.

---

*Freelance journalist

Comments

Beyond his riding skill, Karl Umrigar was admired for his radiance, sportsmanship, and affability

By Harsh Thakor* Karl Umrigar's name remains etched in the annals of Indian horse racing, a testament to a talent tragically cut short. An accident on the racetrack at the tender age of nineteen robbed India of a rider on the cusp of greatness. Had he survived, there's little doubt he would have ascended to international stature, possibly becoming the greatest Indian jockey ever. Even 46 years after his death, his name shines brightly, reminiscent of an inextinguishable star. His cousin, Pesi Shroff, himself blossomed into one of the most celebrated jockeys in Indian horse racing.

Aurangzeb’s last will recorded by his Maulvi: Allah shouldn't make anyone emperor

By Mohan Guruswamy Aurangzeb’s grave is a simple slab open to the sky lying along the roadside at Khuldabad near Aurangabad. I once stopped by to marvel at the tomb of an Emperor of India whose empire was as large as Ashoka the Great's. It was only post 1857 when Victoria's domain exceeded this. The epitaph reads: "Az tila o nuqreh gar saazand gumbad aghniyaa! Bar mazaar e ghareebaan gumbad e gardun bas ast." (The rich may well construct domes of gold and silver on their graves. For the poor folks like me, the sky is enough to shelter my grave) The modest tomb of Aurangzeb is perhaps the least recognised legacies of the Mughal Emperor who ruled the land for fifty eventful years. He was not a builder having expended his long tenure in war and conquest. Towards the end of his reign and life, he realised the futility of it all. He wrote: "Allah should not make anyone an emperor. The most unfortunate person is he who becomes one." Aurangzeb’s last will was re...

PUCL files complaint with SC against Gujarat police, municipal authorities for 'unlawful' demolitions, custodial 'violence'

By A Representative The People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) has lodged a formal complaint with the Chief Justice of India, urging the Supreme Court to initiate suo-moto contempt proceedings against the police and municipal authorities in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The complaint alleges that these officials have engaged in unlawful demolitions and custodial violence, in direct violation of a Supreme Court order issued in November 2024.

How the slogan Jai Bhim gained momentum as movement of popularity and revolution

By Dr Kapilendra Das* India is an incomprehensible plural country loaded with diversities of religions, castes, cultures, languages, dialects, tribes, societies, costumes, etc. The Indians have good manners/etiquette (decent social conduct, gesture, courtesy, politeness) that build healthy relationships and take them ahead to life. In many parts of India, in many situations, and on formal occasions, it is common for people of India to express and exchange respect, greetings, and salutation for which we people usually use words and phrases like- Namaskar, Namaste, Pranam, Ram Ram, Jai Ram ji, Jai Sriram, Good morning, shubha sakal, Radhe Radhe, Jai Bajarangabali, Jai Gopal, Jai Jai, Supravat, Good night, Shuvaratri, Jai Bhole, Salaam walekam, Walekam salaam, Radhaswami, Namo Buddhaya, Jai Bhim, Hello, and so on. A soft attitude always creates strong relationships. A relationship should not depend only on spoken words. They should rely on understanding the unspoken feeling too. So w...

राजस्थान, मध्यप्रदेश, पश्चिम बंगाल, झारखंड और केरल फिसड्डी: जल जीवन मिशन के लक्ष्य को पाने समन्वित प्रयास जरूरी

- राज कुमार सिन्हा* जल संसाधन से जुड़ी स्थायी समिति ने वर्तमान लोकसभा सत्र में पेश रिपोर्ट में बताया है कि "नल से जल" मिशन में राजस्थान, मध्यप्रदेश, पश्चिम बंगाल, झारखंड और केरल फिसड्डी साबित हुए हैं। जबकि देश के 11 राज्यों में शत-प्रतिशत ग्रामीणों को नल से जल आपूर्ति शुरू कर दी गई है। रिपोर्ट में समिति ने केंद्र सरकार को सिफारिश की है कि मिशन पुरा करने में राज्य सरकारों की समस्याओं पर गौर किया जाए।

State Human Rights Commission directs authorities to uphold environmental rights in Vadodara's Vishwamitri River Project

By A Representative The Gujarat State Human Rights Commission (GSHRC) has ordered state and Vadodara municipal authorities to strictly comply with environmental and human rights safeguards during the Vishwamitri River Rejuvenation Project, stressing that the river’s degradation disproportionately affects marginalized communities and violates citizens’ rights to a healthy environment. The Commission mandated an immediate halt to ecologically destructive practices, rehabilitation of affected communities, transparent adherence to National Green Tribunal (NGT) orders, and public consultations with experts and residents. The order follows the Concerned Citizens of Vadodara coalition—environmentalists, ecologists, and urban planners—submitting a detailed letter to authorities, amplifying calls for accountability. The group warned that current plans to “re-section” and “desilt” the river contradict the NGT’s 2021 Vishwamitri River Action Plan, which prioritizes floodpla...

CPM’s evaluation of BJP reflects its political character and its reluctance to take on battle against neo-fascism

By Harsh Thakor* A controversial debate has emerged in the revolutionary camp regarding the Communist Party of India (Marxist)'s categorization of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Many Communists criticize the CPM’s reluctance to label the BJP as a fascist party and India as a fascist state. Various factors must be considered to arrive at an accurate assessment. Understanding the original meaning and historical development of fascism is essential, as well as analyzing how it manifests in the present global and national context.

Haven't done a good deed, inner soul is cursing me as sinner: Aurangzeb's last 'will'

Counterview Desk The Tomb of Aurangzeb, the last of the strong Mughal emperors, located in Khuldabad, Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, has this epitaph inscribed on it: "Az tila o nuqreh gar saazand gumbad aghniyaa! Bar mazaar e maa ghareebaan gumbad e gardun bas ast" (the rich may well construct domes of gold and silver on their graves. For the poor folks like me, the sky is enough to shelter my grave).

Implications of deaths of Maoist leaders G. Renuka and Ankeshwarapu Sarayya in Chhattisgarh

By Harsh Thakor* In the wake of recent security operations in southern Chhattisgarh, two senior Maoist leaders, G. Renuka and Ankeshwarapu Sarayya, were killed. These operations, which took place amidst a historically significant Maoist presence, resulted in the deaths of 31 individuals on March 20th and 16 more three days prior.

How polarization between different ideological trends within the communist movement sharpened in India

By Harsh Thakor* This article is a rejoinder to A Note on Slogans of “Left Unity,” “Unity of the Communist Revolutionaries” and “Mass Line” by Umair Ahmed, published on the Nazariya blog .

Search This Blog