Emergence of BKU :
Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) is an organization of farmers from western UP and Haryana regions. It is one the leading farmers’ movements to protest against the policies of liberalisation of Indian economy. The Meerut agitation of farmers was a great show of rural farmers and cultivators.
Demands of BKU
i. Higher government floor prices for sugarcane and wheat.
ii. Guaranteed supply of electricity at reasonable rates.
iii. To wave *** repayments of loans due on farmers.
iv. To provide government pension to farmers.
v. Abolition of restrictions on the interstate movement of farm produce.
Extent of Success
i. BKU became the most successful social movement. It sustained for a long time due to clan networks among its members. These networks mobilized funds, resources and activities of BKU.
ii. Since this farmers movement was directed against state policies no political party could afford to displease them. The government was forced to reduce water and electricity rates for farmers. There were announcements about waiving loans advanced by nationalized banks to the poor peasants.
