Bathinda: SKM Announces 'People's March' on Republic Day to Protest Government Policies
The Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) has issued a clarion call to farmers and citizens in Bathinda to actively participate in the 'People's March' scheduled for January 26, which marks the 77th Republic Day. The organization aims to observe this significant day as the 'day of the people', encouraging mass involvement through various forms of mobilization.
Details of the Planned Demonstrations
During its national council meeting held on January 11, the SKM finalized plans for the 'People's March', which is set to take place in the afternoon of Republic Day. The event is designed to be coordinated with agricultural and rural workers across the region, ensuring a unified and impactful demonstration.
Participants are encouraged to join en masse using a variety of methods, including:
- Tractor parades
- Vehicle or motorcycle rallies
- Mass demonstrations
Importantly, the SKM has emphasized that these activities will be conducted in a manner that does not disrupt the official Republic Day parade. This careful planning underscores the organization's commitment to safeguarding constitutional rights and upholding the core principles of democracy, secularism, and federalism.
Opposition to Government Legislation
In a release issued on Saturday, the SKM articulated its strong opposition to a series of policies enacted by the NDA government. The organization highlighted several key legislations that it views as detrimental to the rights of working people and the federal structure of India.
These include:
- The Electricity Bill 2025
- Four Labour Codes
- The VB-GRAMG Act 2025
- The Seeds Bill 2025
- The Insurance Act 2025
- The New Education Policy
- The National Cooperation Policy
According to the SKM, all these legislations are aimed at curtailing the federal rights of the states and converting India into a unitary system of governance. The organization asserts that such moves attack the fundamental features of the Indian Constitution, threatening the democratic fabric of the nation.
Call to Defend Democratic Rights
Beyond the specific protests, the SKM has called upon the people to rally in defense of essential democratic freedoms. The union emphasized the importance of protecting freedom of expression and the right to protest, viewing these as critical components of a vibrant democracy.
This mobilization in Bathinda is part of a broader effort to resist what the SKM perceives as an erosion of constitutional values and to advocate for the rights of farmers and workers across the country.
