At least 22 farmers organisations who were a part of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) that led the year-long historic protest against Narendra Modi government’s farm laws, floated a political outfit Saturday and announced that they will contest all the 117 seats in the upcoming state Assembly polls.
There were 32 farm organisations in Samyukt Kisan Morcha. Reports say that at least three more farmer organisations might join the new political front.
The party’s name is Samyukt Samaj Morcha (SSM).
According to sources, Balbir Singh Rajewal will be the face of the new political front.
“SKM was an umbrella body of different groups… we won the agitation (against the farm laws). But, when we returned, there was pressure… if we could win that battle, we can win the election as well…” while addressing media, Harmeet Singh Kadian, the leader of the BKU (Kadian) faction, said.
“Following public demand we are presenting Samyukt Samaj Morcha,” he announced.
Meanwhile, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha is planning to meet on January 15 to decide its future course of action, now that the farmers’ protest has been called off after the Union government repealed the three draconian farm laws.
Sources say the new political front may ally with Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party. However, Balbir Singh Rajewal played down talk of an SSM-AAP deal; “No negotiation… this is only media speculation.”
Last week, another farmer leader Gurnam Singh Charuni had launched his political party named Sanyukt Sangharsh Party.
