Joginder Singh Ugrahan, president of the Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan), on Sunday asserted that the central government had accepted the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan under pressure from farmers who were prepared to join the ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar on July 27. The protest, led by the Coordination of Joint Platform (CJP), had concluded on Saturday, July 25, but Ugrahan claimed the government's decision was a direct result of the farmers' mobilization.
Claim of Victory
In a recorded video message, Ugrahan credited the protesters for what he termed a "victory" and appealed to farmers across Punjab to hold statewide celebrations on July 27. The celebrations, he said, should follow the programme announced by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) at all district headquarters in Punjab.
Preparations for Delhi Protest
Ugrahan revealed that his union had already begun preparations for the proposed Delhi protest by collecting ration supplies and arranging vehicles for participants. At a meeting in Bathinda on Friday, July 24, senior leaders of the union announced that they would leave for Delhi on July 27 to join the protest. The acceptance of Pradhan's resignation, according to Ugrahan, validates the farmers' demands and demonstrates the power of collective action.
Background of the Protest
The Jantar Mantar protest had been organized by the CJP, an umbrella platform of various farmer unions, to press for the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan and other demands. The protest saw participation from farmers across northern India, particularly from Punjab. The SKM, another major farmers' body, had also supported the protest and called for solidarity actions.
The resignation of Pradhan, a key minister in the Union cabinet, was a long-standing demand of several farmer organizations, who accused him of neglecting agricultural issues. While the government has not officially confirmed the acceptance of the resignation, Ugrahan's claim has been widely discussed among farmer circles.
Call for Unity
Ugrahan emphasized that the victory belongs to all farmers and urged them to remain united. He said the celebration on July 27 would send a strong message to the government that farmers' voices cannot be ignored. The event is expected to draw thousands of supporters in Punjab, with rallies and gatherings planned at major public squares.
The collection of ration supplies and arrangement of vehicles highlight the organizational capacity of the Bharti Kisan Union, indicating a significant expected turnout. The July 27 celebrations are seen as a show of strength, with farmer unions mobilizing their bases. Meanwhile, the SKM has also called for similar events in other states. The outcome of this protest could set a precedent for future agitations, reinforcing the political influence of farmer unions.
