The mystery of a ‘CPI (Maoist)’ press release, and the ‘conspiracy’ over its Darshan Pal

“I too saw the CPI (Maoist) statement. Earlier I ignored it, but now it seems I need to clarify my point as I am not the person mentioned in the so-called press release,” Pal told The Indian Express. “I have never been associated with such a political party which is underground, or with any political party. I have never ever been involved in political activities, and my work is purely for farmers. My writings, my resolutions, my work clearly show who I am… How can you say that the name mentioned in the CPI (Maoist) statement is me?”

KKU general secretary Gurmeet Singh Mehma believes there could be “a deep conspiracy” to defame Pal”. “We strongly condemn this action by whoever is behind it. A section of the media is also painting him as a Maoist party member, which is incorrect.”

Harinder Singh Lakhowal, the president of the BKU (Bharatiya Kisan Union), Lakhowal, says: “We have worked with Dr Darshan Pal for so many years and never found him having any political connection.

This is a deep-rooted conspiracy to defame him and even to weaken the kisan movement… It is surprising to see such developments close to the Lok Sabha polls.”

Incidentally, during the farmer agitation, one of the accusations made against the protesters was that they had links to “anti-national groups”, including Maoists and Khalistanis.

Pal is a well-known social activist in Punjab. Born into a family of farmers in Punjab, he worked in the government rural sector for more than 20 years before taking premature retirement in 2002 and plunging fully into social work. One of the first causes he took up was of Dalits and nurses in government hospitals. He also ran a free acupuncture centre and a charitable clinic for a while in Patiala, where he is based.

During the farmers’ agitation, Pal was at the forefront, involved in bringing farmer unions under the SKM umbrella, and was part of all the meetings farmer union leaders had with the Union government.

Jagmohan Singh Patiala, a fellow SKM office-bearer, told The Indian Express, “Dr Darshan Pal is a democratic person and active in farmers’ movement. He has no connection with any unlawful activities or organisation. We find this action a ploy.”

However, Harmeet Kadian, the president of BKU, Kadian, and a member of the SKM, struck a note of caution, saying Pal needed to clear any doubts regarding the issue. “The SKM too needs to think about this controversy seriously. Dr Darshan Pal should clear the air as early as possible as it does not bode well for the farmers’ movement.”