Poll plunge: Samyukt Morcha deviating from its agenda, says Congress

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 26

Day after the 22 farmer unions of Punjab, under the banner of Samyukt Samaj Morcha (SSM), announced their decision to contest the upcoming Assembly elections under the leadership of BKU (Rajewal) president Balbir Singh Rajewal, the Congress today accused the farm leaders of giving up their demand for a nationwide minimum support price to further their political ambitions.

Ludhiana MP Ravneet Bittu said the formation of the political front at this juncture raised several questions. He sought to know whether this segment of farmers’ leaders was motivated by any political party or not.

Recalling the sacrifice of 700 farmers who died during the farmers’ agitation, Bittu said: “Farmers were welcome in politics, but these are not farmers. Anna Hazare was used and thrown by a ‘common man’ to become the CM of Delhi. Similar fate awaits these leaders too.”

Amritsar MP Gurjeet Aujla said farmers had every right to contest elections. But these leaders had announced that they would stay away from politics during the farmers’ agitation. “They need to reach unanimity before contesting elections. One has to give a stable government.”

Party wary of new entrant

Congress leaders admit if the SSM joins the AAP ahead of the polls, it may lead to consolidation of vote in favour of the party. Besides, eating into Congress’ vote share, it will also damage the SAD, upsetting the poll dynamics, they say.

Rahul to sound bugle in Jan

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will launch the party’s election campaign by addressing a rally at Killi Chahlan, Moga. The rally will be organised between January 5 and 10.