Tensions Rise as Farmers Demand Exclusion of Punjab Government from Talks with Centre

• Apr 28, 2025

The Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) strained relationship with Punjab’s farmers appears set to worsen. Following the controversial forcible removal of a year-long farmer protest last month, the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) have now demanded that the Punjab Government be excluded from their upcoming meeting with the Centre on May 4.

In previous rounds of talks this year between the Central delegation—comprising Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi, and Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal—and farm union leaders, Punjab state representatives, led by Finance Minister Harpal Cheema, had participated. However, this time, farmer leaders Sarwan Singh Pandher, Jagjit Singh Dallewal, and Abhimanyu Kohar have made it clear that they will boycott the meeting if Punjab officials are involved.

In a letter addressed to Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, eight farm union leaders stated:
“The Punjab Government has insulted and hurt the self-respect of farmers across the country. It betrayed us by arresting leaders while we were returning after a meeting with the Centre and forcibly dispersing protests at Shambhu and Khanauri borders.”

The letter also pointed out that the last meeting, held on March 19 in Chandigarh, was conducted in a cordial atmosphere based on a written invitation from the Centre. “The Centre, too, holds responsibility for the failure to prevent the crackdown on farmer leaders following that meeting,” it added.

While emphasizing their preference for dialogue to resolve ongoing disputes, the leaders firmly reiterated that they would not attend the fourth round of talks if the Punjab Government is present.

So far, AAP leaders have maintained a conspicuous silence on the matter, refraining from public comment as tensions continue to simmer.