Punjab unit of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) on Saturday announced a new ‘morcha’ called Samyukt Samaj Morcha to contest the upcoming Punjab Assembly elections.
As many as 22 farm organisations in Punjab, that were part of the year-long protest at the borders of the national capital, are part of the new political front.It was announced that the SSM will contest for 117 seats and will be led by Balbir Singh Rajewal.At the press conference, the farm leaders said three farmer organisations are ready to join their front while 3 more groups are in discussions and a decision will be taken soon.
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha, meanwhile, in a press statement clarified that it has nothing to do with today’s declaration by some farmers organisations of Punjab to form a “Samyukt Samaj Morcha” for contesting assembly elections.The SKM stated that it stands by its policy of not allowing any political party to use its banner or stage. Any attempt to use the name of SKM for elections will constitute a grave violation of Morcha’s discipline.
“The forthcoming national meeting of SKM schedule for January 15 shall take a final decision on whether farmers organisations and leaders who take part in elections can remain within SKM,” it said.
