Balwant Singh: A strong opponent of Khalistani fanatic groups, as also state oppression

By Harsh Thakor*

Balwant Singh Bagha Purana passed away recently, on January 6th. His death was an irreparable loss to the democratic revolutionary movement of Punjab. He was robbed of his life by the incurable disease of cancer at the age of 70. Balwant Singh contributed to the people's movement for a considerable time, with his journey deeply imbued with revolutionary consciousness.

Born to a farm labourer family in Maholi, a village near Malerkotla, Balwant Singh was the youngest of four siblings. After matriculating in 1970, despite his interest in further studies, financial difficulties at home forced him to take up a job as a work charge in the Electricity Board. In 1979, he was appointed as RTM in Malerkotla Division, and in 1982-83, he moved to Bagha Purana Division, where he eventually became a permanent resident.

He joined the Electricity Workers' Union (TSU) and became a supporter of progressive revolutionary ideas. In 1981, he got married without dowry. At that time, the Electricity Workers' Union was one of the strongest organizations, and revolutionary ideas were gaining ground. Despite the challenges posed by the low education levels of workers, bureaucratic pressure, and difficult working conditions, centers were sprouting to organize employees with a revolutionary orientation in Punjab. One such center was established in Lambi Block, which became known as the 'Lambi Group.'

Balwant Singh joined this group and worked to organize the TSU on revolutionary lines. He supported the integration of employees' struggles for better living conditions with the broader struggle for the liberation of the working people. He believed it was essential to strengthen unity with the basic sections of society—workers and farmers. By organizing these sections, he saw the potential for a revolutionary movement to challenge the oppressive state system and establish a state for workers and farmers. In this way, he transitioned from a simple trade unionist to a revolutionary inspired by Shaheed Bhagat Singh. His belief in the struggle for the emancipation of humanity and the goal of communism remained central to his ideology, and he worked to orient mass struggles toward revolutionary change.

Balwant Singh played a leading role in struggles against oppression by the bureaucracy. In every movement that challenged social injustice, he was active in organizing people and building their collective power to resist. In 1991, under his leadership and that of his associates, a month-long struggle was waged against the kidnapping of a minor girl, instigated by a wealthy family of Bagha Purana. The girl was eventually recovered. During a public protest against the beating of two farm labourers by a landlord in Manawan village, Ferozepur district, he united electricity workers and farm labourers in the struggle.

He was a vocal opponent of the killings of innocent people and restrictions on personal freedoms imposed by communal Khalistani fanatic groups during the turmoil in Punjab from 1981-1992. He also opposed state oppression, including false police encounters targeting youth. Between 1986 and 1992, he played a prominent role in the "Anti-Coercion and Communalism Front," serving as a state committee member for some time. He organized demonstrations against communal violence, including those connected to the Sewewala incident where 18 comrades were martyred, and participated in martyrdom ceremonies at Sewewala, Jaito, and Bhagtuana. He mobilized electricity workers and other sections of society in these efforts, often volunteering at such events.

In 1994, he helped organize a martyrdom ceremony in Rajeana village for communist revolutionaries martyred in 1970-71. He also played a key role in organizing the Inquilabi Zindabad election rally of Lok Morcha in 1998 and the centenary rally for Shaheed Bhagat Singh’s birth in Husseinwalla in 2007. These events were pivotal in sharpening revolutionary democratic resistance in Punjab.

Balwant Singh dedicated his life to the revolutionary democratic movement, consistently demonstrating integrity and self-criticism. He was known for his soft-hearted nature but never compromised on principles. In 1989-90, during the height of terrorism, he prioritized attending an important meeting of the Anti-Repression and Anti-Communism Front, bringing his three young children along when no alternative childcare was available.

Despite becoming an employee and improving his personal circumstances, he remained closely connected to his class background. He continued to serve farm labourers, playing an important role in consolidating Punjab Khet Mazdoor Union units in Lambi and Muktsar, and in linking the struggles of agricultural labourers with those of electricity workers.

After retirement, he dedicated himself to organizing farm labourers. He undertook even the most menial tasks, such as handling traffic at the Gursharan Singh Samman Samaroh in Kussa village in 2011, and at the 'Raj Badlo, Samaj Badlo' event in Barnala in 2017.

In the latter half of 2020, he was diagnosed with advanced cancer. Despite the grim prognosis, he faced the illness with the same courage and determination that defined his life.

*Freelance journalist

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