FARMERS' UNIONS IN PUNJAB TARGETING BJP CANDIDATES, NOT LETTING THEM CAMPAIGN

The Khalistani movement in Punjab is subtly intertwining itself with the farmers’ protests. Under the guise of voicing farmers’ grievances, Khalistanis are leveraging the unrest to advance their agenda.

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Unions ostensibly representing the farming community are actively targeting BJP candidates during campaign trails, fuelling discord. Several such farmer unions are also agitating on non-farming issues, leading to community discord.

Recently, on 6 May, a Punjab BJP delegation, led by state president Sunil Jakhar, approached the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Sibin C., expressing concerns about the safety of party candidates amidst the campaigning and elections.

In fact Sibin C. had to ask farmers’ unions not to disrupt election campaigns of Lok Sabha candidates in the state. He made the appeal while interacting with a farmers’ delegation at his Chandigarh office. It may be added that genuine farmers in Punjab are busy not with agitations but in tending to their crops.

A statement issued by the CEO’s office said the officer has instructed all deputy commissioners-cum-district election officers, commissioners of police, and senior superintendents of police to ensure security and a level playing field for all candidates.

“The CEO stressed that ensuring the security of candidates is one of the primary responsibilities of the district election machinery and the Election Commission of India is serious about this matter,” the statement reads.

In a separate circular issued to officers, the CEO said numerous incidents of candidates being prevented from campaigning have been reported in the state. “These incidents,