Day after Pandher's support call, Ugrahan calls stir 'ill-conceived'

As farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher seeks broader support from farmer unions, differences have emerged within the farmers' community regarding the ongoing Kisan Andolan 2.0.

Bhartiya Kisan Union (Ekta-Ugrahan) president Joginder Singh Ugrahan has described the current agitation as "ill-conceived" and raised concerns about its planning and execution.

Ugrahan said, “We already won the battle during the first agitation. The Prime Minister publicly apologised for the mistake. There was no need to open the front again. However, the time has come to restrategise and farmer unions should stay united and support their brethren in need. In such agitations, it is imperative that the agitation remains apolitical.”

Letter lacks seriousness

The support was sought in a casual manner, and the content of the letter lacks seriousness.

Joginder Singh Ugrahan, BKU (Ekta-Ugrahan) president

Expressing concern over the deteriorating health of BKU (Sidhupur) convener Jagjit Singh Dallewal, he questioned the seriousness of a letter circulated by Pandher. "The support was sought in a casual manner, and the content of the letter lacks seriousness," Ugrahan said. However, he affirmed his union's support for the demands of farmer unions protesting at Shambhu and Khanauri borders.

The BKU (Ekta-Ugrahan), a key member of the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM-All India), earlier announced support for protests at these critical barriers. Under Ugrahan’s leadership, the union enjoys considerable influence in the Malwa region, particularly in Sangrur.

Earlier, farmer leader Ruldu Singh Mansa had also condemned both Dallewal and Pandher for launching the agitation without taking other farmer unions into confidence. However, he urged Dallewal to end fast.

Echoing similar concerns, another farmer leader, Harinder Singh Lakhowal, criticised the way the letter was circulated, noting that he received it via social media. Lakhowal stressed the importance of a unified approach, stating, "SKM-All India has scheduled protests outside Deputy Commissioner offices across Punjab on December 23 followed by a crucial meeting on December 24."

The formation of SKM (non-political) in February, led by Dallewal and Pandher, intended to rally farmers for the 'Dilli Chalo' protest at the Shambhu border. However, growing concerns about Dallewal’s health and the growing number of injuries to farmers has complicated the movement's trajectory.

With meetings planned before December 24, farmer unions are gearing up to evaluate the ongoing protests and decide the future course of action. Sources said the meeting could be postponed.