Farmer dies during protest against BJP candidate in Punjab's Patiala

Representational image. Pic/iStock

A farmer died during a demonstration against BJP candidate Preneet Kaur, forcing the cancellation of her campaign events for the day and the following Sunday. Surinder Pal Singh, a 60-year-old farmer, fainted during the protest in Sihra village. While protesting farmers said Singh fell after being shoved by security officers, a video clip produced by Kaur's team showed Singh collapsing during the protest.

Despite police warnings, the farmers stopped Kaur's vehicle during the protest, waving black flags. Singh was transported to Rajpura Civil Hospital and proclaimed dead. BJP candidates encountered farmer protests throughout the Lok Sabha campaign. Kaur expressed her grief for Singh's death and promised to continue to support farmers, reported PTI.

According to the report, farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal wanted compensation and a government position for one of Singh's family members, as well as the filing of a FIR prior to his cremation. Sunil Jakhar, the Punjab BJP president, expressed condolences and denounced attempts to politicise the situation. He highlighted the need of keeping protestors safe during protests.

A video showed Singh falling without altercation, prompting caution against inciting trouble during elections. Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal also mourned Singh's death, cancelling a campaign event in his honour. Farmers continue to demonstrate, pressing the government to ensure a minimum support price for crops, the news agency report added.