A Powerful Call for Agricultural Unity from Punjab
In response to mounting agrarian distress and corporate encroachment on agricultural lands, farmer organizations have decided to forge a united front. The All India Kisan Sabha (AIKM) hosted its fifth national conference at the historic Desh Bhagat Yadgar complex in Jalandhar, Punjab. Thousands of farmers, laborers, and grassroots activists gathered to participate in this massive convention, reflecting a growing urge among rural communities to consolidate their strength.
Speakers at the inaugural session emphasized that fragmented struggles cannot withstand the systematic policy attacks launched by governments and powerful corporate houses. The consensus among the delegates was clear: collective bargaining, shared vision, and grassroots solidarity are the only effective tools to safeguard India's farming sector and rural livelihoods from corporate exploitation.
Historic Mergers and a New Political Horizon
A major highlight of the conference was the official merger of prominent peasant unions from Punjab and Haryana into the AIKM fold. CPI(ML) Liberation General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya hailed this development as a historic milestone that will inject fresh momentum into the broader democratic movement against corporate-backed and communal policies. Drawing parallels from the historic Shaheen Bagh protests, the successful Delhi farmers' agitation, and recent youth-led uprisings, he noted how these movements have collectively strengthened India's democratic fabric.
Several other prominent labor and peasant leaders addressed the gathering, critiquing current state and central governance models. They pointed out that despite electoral promises of systemic change, agrarian distress and bureaucratic apathy remain widespread. The leaders called for building a robust alternative political and social narrative centered on the genuine needs of workers, farmers, and the unemployed youth.
"One of the foremost priorities for the current generation of farmers, laborers, and youth is to rid the nation of fascist and corporate-driven policies. Without a collective resistance, our land, livelihood, and freedom remain deeply vulnerable." — Dipankar Bhattacharya, General Secretary, CPI(ML) Liberation
Resisting Global Imperialism and Corporate Policies
Leaders also addressed international geopolitical issues, warning against imperialist maneuvers and unfair trade agreements that threaten global food security and local economies. The convention strongly opposed any trade policies that might compromise domestic agricultural sovereignty. By invoking the legacy of the Ghadar movement and historical peasant struggles in Punjab, the speakers connected contemporary agrarian issues to the long-standing tradition of anti-imperialist resistance in the region.
Looking Ahead: The Blueprint for Future Agitations
The Jalandhar conference served as more than just a gathering; it laid down a clear blueprint for future mobilization. Delegates resolved to expand grassroots outreach, connect agrarian demands with broader issues like public education and employment, and foster stronger solidarity between farmers and urban working classes. As the voices from Jalandhar reverberate across other states, this renewed unity promises to pose a formidable challenge to anti-farmer legislation and corporate hegemony in the near future.
