Farmer Dies in Protest at Preneet Kaur's Patiala Event

During a political protest in Patiala, Punjab, a 60-year-old farmer, Surinderpal Singh, affiliated with the BKU Sidhupur organization, died following a scuffle. The incident took place on May 4, 2024, near the village of Sehra in Ghanaur, where BJP candidate Preneet Kaur's cavalcade was halted by protesting farmers. According to witnesses, the altercation occurred when police or BJP supporters pushed the protestors, causing Singh to collapse. He was taken to a government hospital in Rajpura, where he was pronounced dead.

The death has escalated tensions in the region where farmers have been actively protesting against BJP candidates across Punjab. The farmers' union is deliberating on further actions in response to the incident. Local BJP officials, including Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar, have expressed their condolences and denied allegations that the death was a result of violence, suggesting it was an accident instead.

In light of the tragedy, Preneet Kaur has cancelled her campaign events for the following two days as a mark of respect. Opposition parties have criticized the ruling AAP government and accused it of collusion with the BJP. Meanwhile, senior political figures, including Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, have also cancelled their engagements to honor the deceased farmer.