In a major political development, over 25 farmer unions have united to contest Punjab assembly elections under the banner of Samyukt Samaj Morcha. According to sources, Punjab farmers'
organisations have declared Balbir Singh Rajewal as their chief ministerial face for the polls scheduled in early 2022.
"SKM- the umbrella body of farmers unions- is made up of people with different ideologies. We achieved victory after peacefully protesting at Delhi borders for over a year. Now, people's
expectations have increased," a senior farm leader told media.
"As many as 22 unions have joined hands and three more are expected to join soon," he added. Reportedly, BKU (Dakounda) and BKU (Lakhowal) are yet to decide the political entry
of the farm union.
The Samyukt Samaj Morcha will contest for all 117 seats in the upcoming Punjab assembly election.
"This is not a political party; it is a morcha," Rajewal stated. "We have not yet registered as a political party, therefore winning the election is not our goal. It is a
front that will contest all 117 seats in the elections," he added.
Reports suggest that SSM is in contact with senior Aam Aadmi Party members, however, the farm leader said that "the front has not thought of any alliance with the AAP as of now."
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Meanwhile, there are also speculations of Balbir Rajewal contesting elections on the AAP seat.
Nine unions have expressed objection to contest elections.
Krantikari Kisan Union, BKU Krantikari, BKU Sidhupur, Azad Kisan Committee Doaba, Jai Kisan Andolan, Dasuha Ganna Sangharsh Committee, Kisan Sangharsh Committee Punjab, Lok Bhalai Insaaf
Welfare Society, and Kirti Kisan Union Punjab are among the nine organisations.
"We are not contesting elections and will keep working as a pressure group," said the opposing farm groups.
Assembly elections in Punjab are scheduled to be held in February- March of 2022. As farmers announced the launch of their front in political fields, the tensions of top parties like ruling
Congress, AAP, SAD, Punjab Lok Congres and BJP have increased.