- Any movement was undertaken for a larger societal cause never fails to garner support from the common citizens for what is at stake eventually would be affecting their normal routine in more ways than one. History is replete with any number of momentous movements that have altered the way humanity thrives like never before ushering in dramatic changes. Without getting into details, suffice to mention that many documented revolutionary movements of the past have succeeded in transforming humanity for good. Agitations for long periods taking on the might of the government dispensation demands focused perseverance and determined attention well prepared to thwart any challenges encountered solely intended to dilute the stated objectives.
PC: Bhartiya Kisan Union Charuni
- One such agitation was played out recently by the farmer unions demanding the repeal of three farm laws compelling the Union Government to withdraw the same after a year. Reports emerging suggest that riding high after forcing the Union Government to repeal the farm laws, farmer unions are now contemplating taking the political plunge much to the chagrin of many concerned. As you read, the national president of Bharatiya Kisan Union (Charuni) has already launched a political party, Sanyukt Sangharsh Party, intending to contest the upcoming assembly elections in Punjab.
- Of course, while everyone is free to launch a political party, farmer unions need to think through this move carefully though. Make no mistake, the last thing they need is for their recent success to go to their head which would actually undermine the cause of representing farmer interests by exposing them as mere opportunists. No disputing the fact that farm laws introduced were broadly correct since the agriculture sector desperately deserves reforms. Why eventually farmer unions emerged successful in their year-long agitation is largely owing to the representation of serving farmer interests cutting across communities in Punjab, Haryana, and western UP.
PC: B.PAC
- Therefore, it was near impossible for any political party to take sides against them leading to a pro-farmer stance being adopted by them for the next round of state polls. The moot point to ponder over is what is the necessity for farmer unions to take the political plunge when existing political parties are already keenly responding to them. Nothing but attempting to cash in on the popular movement and hoping to make it big on the political platform although interest-specific political parties don’t have a good track record in the country. Mind you, parties like SP, RJD, and BSP may claim Mandal agitation roots but operationally went on to become normal political parties.
- Even AAP which began as an anti-corruption platform is today indistinguishable in its electoral functioning from Congress or BJP. As such, any farmer union that transforms into a political party will lose the high ground and be forced into the logic of electoral politics. In turn, it is bound to dilute its claim of representing India’s farmers and working as a pressure group. Needless to mention, farmer unions must know when to quit and stay away from politics. Otherwise, people are prudent enough to show the door for such opportunistic individuals and groups.
