Farmers oppose PM Modi's proposed Punjab visit on Nov 5; announce statewide protests

Mohali, November 4: Farmer unions in Punjab have opened a front against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Punjab on November 5. They have announced to burn his effigies at various places statewide, besides urging Beas dera chief Gurinder Singh Dhillon to cancel his proposed meeting with PM Modi.

Farmers have described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as 'anti-farmers and anti-labourers'. Farmers are seeking justice for more than 750 farmers who were killed during the andolan at Delhi borders. They are also opposing the privatisation of electricity.

Farmers said they were often blamed against pollution, but the authorities never talked about smoke being emitted from their own factories, vehicles, etc.

Also Read | Delhi primary schools shut till air pollution situation improves

Notably, Prime Minister Modi will reach Punjab on November 5 and pay a visit to Dera Radha Soami at Beas. His meeting with dera head Gurinder Singh Dhillon is also on cards. He will be making a halt before heading towards Himachal Pradesh. 

It is being seen as a political gimmick just before the elections in Himachal Pradesh, as there too, there are a huge followers of dera Beas. 

Farmers have also appealed to the heads of deras and religious institutions of Punjab not to meet the Prime Minister. 

Farmer leaders alleged that the Prime Minister made all efforts to save the main accused of Lakhimpur Khiri violence. Farmers who died at Delhi borders have also not got justice yet. All promises made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi have not been fulfilled. Farmers said whenever the Prime Minister would plan to visit Punjab, it would be opposed. 

Also Read | Distribution of ROs, sports kits: Punjab VB initiates probe against Captain Sandeep Sandhu