Dalbir Singh Sidhupur elected BKU Sidhupur state president amid internal rift

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Patiala, June 1

Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) Sidhupur on Monday elected a new Punjab State Committee during its delegate convention held at Gurdwara Patshahi Nauvin, Bahadurgarh Sahib, Patiala, marking a significant development amid an ongoing leadership dispute within the farmers’ organization.

Delegates from various districts across Punjab participated in the convention, where the new committee was elected unanimously. Dalbir Singh Sidhupur was appointed State President, while Bok Singh Mansa was named State General Secretary. Mehar Singh Theri was appointed State Press Secretary, Jorawar Singh Balweda was chosen as Senior Vice-President, Sukhdev Singh Sara as Vice-President, and Beant Singh Mahima of Bathinda as State Secretary.

Addressing the media after his appointment, Dalbir Singh Sidhupur said a meeting held at the same venue on January 2 had resolved to function independently from farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal. He said district presidents from different regions had then entrusted him with the responsibility of convener.

Sidhupur stated that the organization had established a new state committee within six months and would continue to work actively for farmers’ rights and welfare. He also announced the organization’s support for the protest programme called by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) on June 2.

BKU Sidhupur had earlier emerged as a prominent force during the farmers’ agitation at the Khanauri border under the leadership of Jagjit Singh Dallewal. However, differences within the organization surfaced over the past several months, leading to competing claims over its leadership.

Dallewal had previously maintained that individuals who conducted separate elections and appointed office-bearers had been expelled from the organization. Meanwhile, Dalbir Singh Sidhupur continued to assert his position as the faction’s convener.

With the election of a new committee and office-bearers, BKU Sidhupur has formalized its leadership structure. However, uncertainty remains among many supporters regarding which faction represents the original and legitimate BKU Sidhupur.