Our fight is to save Punjab, says Balbir Singh Rajewal, SSM chief

Balbir Singh Rajewal | Sanjay Ahlawat

Why did you float a political party?
There were two types of debates. First, the issue was to work for the success of the farmers’ agitation. Second, Punjab had suffered because of the failure of the political class, so it was felt that people who were running the morcha should come forward to clear this mess. We had banned any political activity till the morcha was successful. After we won, 22 of the 32 farmer organisations said we should accept the challenge.

Are you satisfied with the outcome of the agitation?
The outcome of this movement is a unique example in world history. Never before was a government forced to withdraw laws even before they were implemented. The prime minister was forced to withdraw them and apologise. All the political classes were exposed. Akalis supported it first and were part of the cabinet that approved the ordinances. The regional parties that claimed to be supporters of farmers were exposed.
Another big achievement of the movement was the heightened awareness among people. Earlier, they accepted everything, now they question leaders. People are now understanding that we are the masters.

The government might say you always had a political motive behind the agitation. Will that not affect the movement?
If I had any political ambitions, why was I silent for 50 years? There are 117 MLAs. How many of them know the pulse of the people? Look at our MLA [Amrik Singh Dhillon], he has won four times, but never asked a single question in the assembly. I can say with pride that people know me. If I were ever to accept even a glass of water (as inducement), I will back out. It is only now that people are coming to know that there is someone who can fight for them. If I go alone to the assembly, I will not let them rest.

What are you promising in elections?
Our fight is not for power, but to save Punjab. Our manifesto is being written, where we will aim to bring change. Farmers and labourers who borrow up to Rs3 lakh will not have to pay interest. We will look into free farm loans. We will stop ad-hoc appointments. The biggest aim is to stop corruption and the mafia, be it in sand mining, liquor or cable. We will form teams of experts who will guide our health and education policy. We are looking at providing free health care. Our fight is against corruption and other mafias.

Are you at a disadvantage when compared to other parties, who are more tech-savvy and have more electoral experience?

They have all the money. They sold tickets. We do not have money. We have tried to give tickets to the young and educated, and those who have given to the society. [Other parties] may have money, but no one to talk logic.

Who is your main opponent?
I cannot say. But I can say this fight is for change. On the other side are people who want status quo.

Will you be open to alliances after elections?
We will see at that time. I think we will form the government.

Is it even possible to remove corruption from Punjab?
My aim is to snuff out mafias. Even if I am CM for three days or three months, I will carry a danda [stick] to beat them. I am not worried about how long I will last, but I will throw them out.

What is the future of your party? Not all parties born of movements survive electorally.
If you stay true to your ideals, people will stay connected to you. I think one has to put out his ideology forcefully among people if one has to survive for long.

What are your key learnings from the farmers’ movement?
I told my men to stay nonviolent. I said the moment you raise your hand, they (the state) will retaliate. They have bigger means and weapons and laws to curb you. Violent movements cannot survive in India. Moreover, nature also played a part. There were moments when we felt that the movement was coming to an end, but something would happen the very next day and the movement would regain strength.  
This movement also increased the prestige of Sikhs across the world. The world came to know about Sikh values and their culture of sacrifice, resilience and running community kitchens. Our Sikh history inspired the movement.