Farmers, workers burn effigies of Shah during statewide protests

Members of the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) on Saturday staged protests across Punjab and burnt effigies of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to express anger over what they termed the government’s “anti-farmer and anti-worker policies”.

According to morcha leaders, demonstrations were organised at 33 locations across 19 districts of the state during Shah’s visit to address a rally in Moga. The protesters carried out marches and staged symbolic funeral processions before burning large effigies as a mark of protest.

During the protest in the city, a large gathering assembled near the old CP (Commissioner of Police) office and marched to the Dasehra ground, where an effigy of the Union Home Minister was burnt. Morcha leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said the protesters also passed resolutions demanding the opening of the India-Pakistan trade corridor and the release of prisoners, including Sikh detainees who have already completed their sentences.

Addressing gatherings of farmers and labourers at Dasehra ground in Ranjit Avenue, union leaders criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party government for holding a “Badlaav Rally” in Moga while allegedly ignoring key demands of farmers and workers. They alleged that the proposed India-US trade agreement could adversely impact the agriculture and dairy sectors, particularly in Punjab, where the economy largely depends on farming.

The speakers also opposed the proposed Electricity Amendment Bill 2025, the Seed Bill and the implementation of the Labour Codes of India, claiming these measures would harm farmers, small traders and workers. They further demanded a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price, restoration of employment under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act and a comprehensive loan waiver for farmers and agricultural labourers.

Leaders alleged that promises made by the Central Government regarding doubling farmers’ income and bringing a law guaranteeing MSP had not been fulfilled. They claimed that the agrarian crisis in the country was deepening due to rising input costs, pushing many farmers and labourers into debt.