Was asked to shun politics before joining stir: Gurnam Singh Charuni

Kurukshetra, February 29

Bhartiya Kisan Union (Charuni) chief Gurnam Singh today hit back at farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher saying that a condition of not participating in politics was put before him (Gurnam), and that he was approached only after the call for the agitation had already been given.

Not in farmers’ interests

Keeping us aside on the pretext that we indulge in politics is not in the interest of farmers. However, we still extended support to the movement, organised protests and requested all unions to come on one platform. Gurnam Singh, BKU (Charuni) Chief

Recently, Pandher and some other leaders had slammed SKM leaders and Gurnam Singh Charuni saying that despite repeated meetings, heads of various unions refused to support the movement.

Speaking to mediapersons, Gurnam Singh said, “An impression is being created among the people that we were asked to participate in the agitation, but we didn’t support it. They are, however, telling an incomplete story. We were approached after the call for the agitation had been given. Moreover, a condition was put that before joining the agitation, I should give a statement that I will not participate in politics and elections.”

“I want to say that the agitations are not fought on the basis of conditions. If they had any intention to unite us, they should have held meetings before giving the call. If SKM (Non-Political) leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal and others feel that those who participate in politics should not be included in the agitation, he (Dallewal) should not have participated in the previous agitation because several leaders of previous agitation had already contested elections,” he added.

Charuni further said, “Keeping us aside on the pretext that we indulge in politics is not in the interest of farmers. However, we still extended support to the movement, organised protests and requested all unions to come on one platform. We had a meeting with Pandher, offered him to constitute a common committee having leaders from their unions and the SKM, but there was no clear response. I was asked to consult Dallewal first, but the meeting couldn’t be held and there was no further response from their side. We can still come together on a minimum agenda. Our union will continue to support the farmers’ agitation from outside.”

Meanwhile, Charuni also said that oilseed crops were being sold below the MSP. The government should compensate the farmers under the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana.