Posters against BJP in Punjab villages set alarm bells ringing

Similar expressions of discontent were seen in Bharu village of Gidderbaha constituency, where posters denouncing BJP have been pasted on the walls for the past four days. While Mansa villages have yet to witness such displays, farmers are voicing their opposition, vowing to block BJP leaders from entering their communities.

A poster in Mandi Kalan Village of Bathinda to ban entry of BJP in the village. (Express)

Happy Singh Namol of BKU Azad remarked, “Protesting against BJP is our prerogative, and Namol village has chosen a symbolic approach to voice our dissent.” He emphasized the solidarity of the union with the ongoing protests at Shambhu and Khanauri borders, where farmers have been demonstrating since February 13.

The sentiments of resistance extend beyond individual villages, as evidenced by the decision of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) to mobilise people against BJP nationally. Dr. Darshan Pal, a member of the national coordination committee, outlined plans to confront BJP through questioning, black flag demonstrations, and grassroots mobilization.

Reflecting on BJP’s electoral strategy in Punjab, Darshan Singh Giddranwali of BKU Rajewal noted the disillusionment among rural voters stemming from unfulfilled promises made on December 9, 2021. He said farmers were determined to hold BJP accountable during the campaign trail.

Meanwhile, tensions flared in Bathinda on March 24 when a BJP booth mahotsav was met with farmer protests, leading to the cancellation of a scheduled address by state president Sunil Jakhar. While Jakhar’s office denied rumors of his intended visit to Bathinda, he was observed in Sangrur meeting families affected by the recent hooch tragedy.As the election campaign gains momentum, farmer unions anticipate the emergence of more dissenting voices in villages across Punjab. With the threat of further posters and protests looming, BJP faces an uphill battle in winning over rural voters.