SKM's 'People's March' to Feature Tractor Parades Across Punjab on Republic Day
In a significant demonstration, farmer and farm labourer unions in Punjab, led by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), are set to observe the 77th Republic Day with a statewide tractor march. Dubbed the 'People's March,' this event will unfold across hundreds of blocks on January 26, as part of a broader nationwide initiative by the SKM to advocate for farmers' rights and raise awareness about pressing demands.
Widespread Participation and Peaceful Protests
The protest will take the form of tractor parades, with farmers and agricultural labourers participating using motorcycles, cars, and other private vehicles. Mass demonstrations are also planned at selected locations within blocks to welcome the tractor convoys. According to Jagmohan Singh Patiala, general secretary of Bharatiya Kisan Union (Dakaunda) and a member of the SKM national coordination committee, the marches will be conducted at the block level, starting around 11 am and concluding by 3 pm. He emphasized that the events will be peaceful and well-organized, with preparation meetings held in villages across Punjab.
Detailed Plans Across Districts
Gurmeet Singh Bhatiwal, state vice-president of BKU (Dakaunda), provided specific details, noting that tractor parades will be held at eight locations in Patiala district and seven in Sangrur district. In Patiala, the march will cover blocks such as Ghanaur, Shutrana, Sanaur, Samana, Bhadson, Patiala-1, Patiala-2, and Nabha. In Sangrur, it will commence from Sangrur city and include blocks like Gharachon and Bhawanigarh. Additionally, in Ludhiana district, parades are scheduled in Mullanpur Dakha, Raikot, Jagraon, Sidhwan Bet, Gill, and other blocks, with similar events planned in several other districts statewide.
Historical Context and Key Demands
The SKM first organized a tractor parade on January 26, 2021, during the farmers' agitation against the now-repealed three farm laws at the Delhi borders. While that march was permitted on the Outer Ring Road, it led to controversy when some farmers entered central Delhi and the Red Fort. Since then, the SKM has continued to mark Republic Day with district- and block-level tractor parades to highlight ongoing demands. Key issues include the withdrawal of legislation such as the draft Electricity Amendment Bill 2025, the four Labour Codes, the VB-G RAM G Act 2025, the Seeds Bill 2025, the Shanti Bill 2025, the Insurance Act 2025, the New Education Policy, and the National Cooperation Policy. SKM leaders argue that these bills undermine federalism and weaken the Constitution's basic structure.
Focus on Constitutional Rights and Non-Disruption
SKM leaders have clarified that the 'People's March' will not disrupt official Republic Day parades or state and district-level celebrations. Instead, it aims to protect constitutional rights, including freedom of expression, the right to protest, and the principles of democracy, secularism, and federalism. The unions also expressed concern over attacks on democratic rights, citing the use of laws like the UAPA and NSA, and demanded the immediate release of prisoners detained without trial, such as Sonam Wangchuk of Ladakh. Nearly 34 farmer unions, including BKU Ugrahan—the largest in Punjab—and around five farm labourer unions, are expected to participate, ensuring a broad-based and coordinated effort.
