SKM calls for Republic Day ‘People’s March’, says federalism and protest rights under strain
The Sanyukt Kisan Morcha has appealed to farmers to mark Republic Day with a ‘People’s March’ on 26 January, urging tractor parades and rallies without disrupting the official celebrations. The grouping says it wants to defend constitutional values such as democracy, secularism and federalism, while opposing a range of recent legislations it claims weaken states’ rights.
Farmers’ platform issues Republic Day call
The Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) has urged farmers to join a ‘People’s March’ on 26 January 2026, framing the mobilisation as a Republic Day action meant to highlight constitutional rights and the role of citizens in protecting democratic values. The call, reported from the Chandigarh region, asks supporters to participate through tractor parades, vehicle or motorcycle rallies and mass demonstrations.
SKM has also emphasised that the proposed programme should not disrupt the official Republic Day parade, positioning the march as a parallel civic demonstration rather than a blockade. The platform describes Republic Day as a ‘day of the people’ and says the action will be coordinated with agricultural and rural workers.
Concerns flagged over laws and federal structure
In its statement, SKM argued that a series of recent legislations amount to attacks on working people and undermine the federal rights of states. The group listed measures such as the Electricity Bill 2025 and the four Labour Codes, among other policies and bills it opposes, contending that they push India towards a more unitary governance model.
The platform also linked its Republic Day appeal to issues of freedom of expression and the right to protest. In political terms, such statements seek to widen a farmer-centric agenda into a broader constitutional and governance debate—aiming to bring together allied unions and civil groups under a common framing of rights and federalism.
What the mobilisation may look like
If the programme proceeds as described, it is likely to take the form of decentralised rallies and local marches rather than a single centralised sit-in. Such an approach can allow organisers to maintain visibility while avoiding direct confrontation with security arrangements tied to Republic Day events.
For the government and local administration, the key watchpoints typically include traffic movement, public order, and ensuring that any large gatherings remain peaceful. For SKM, the immediate objective is to translate constitutional messaging into participation, while keeping the action within guardrails that prevent disruption of official celebrations.