INTRODUCTION
After the partition of India Congress dominated not the whole country. The politics of Punjab was under Congress dominance. With division of Haryana and Punjab, Linguistic basis brought a new political and economic era in Punjab.
POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT
Green revolution brought new consciousness among peasants. Introduction of new techniques made farmers more dependent upon market and financial agencies for loan purposes. Political pressure played a great role incurring inputs like fertilisers, seeds, machinery, etc. Prices of these commodities increased after some time which made farmers more conscious about their rights. This made them join various political parties to safeguard their interest. The participation of farmers in politics changed the agrarian scenarios. As soon as people entered into politics various peasants movements began to rise. Many organisations such as Dehati Mazdoor Sabha, Punjab Kheti Bari Zamindari Union, Khet Mazdoor Sabha and Kiran Sabha, etc. These organisations started their movements against struggles of landless labour in different areas of state. The Green revolution gave birth to another class , the middle class, which dominated the whole political scene.
During Assembly election of 1967, Akali dal got an opportunity to capture the power and after the Reorganisation of Punjab the power of Akali dal increased. Party started to protect the economic interest of peasants which formed a major support base.
In the election of 1967 no party got a majority, because of which Akali Dal formed the United Front against all anti Congress parties.
In the election of 1969 Akali Dal shined out as the single largest party and won the elections with the support of farmers and won 43 seats. Election of 1980 brought a massive win for Congress by capturing 12 out of 13 seats in Punjab. Akali Dal faced heavy loss in this election, winning only one seat.
The intra party difference emerged in Akali Dal between Talwandi group and Badal group. Akali Dal got divided into two parties, Akali Dal Talwadi and Akali Dal Longowal.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The Green revolution increased the heavy production of wheat and rice as compared to other crops. It increased the purchase of modern inputs which commercialised the agriculture of Punjab. Not only agriculture but animal husbandry also saw a huge growth. Rapid increase in milk production resulted in development of Veterinary services, milk collecting booths, chilling centres and dairies, etc. It became a profitable allied agricultural activity. The Government of India established the Agricultural Price Commission (responsible for ensuring price for food grains) and Food Corporation of India( responsible for storage, sale, distribution, import of food grains) In 1965. The Green revolution benefited the corporations that supplied the pesticide, fertilised farm machinery. Manufacturing sector saw a boost due to more demand for agricultural implements. Punjab state Industrial development Corporations was established by the Punjab government. Tertiary sector saw changes and saw an annual growth rate of 6.8 percent which contributed to the growing economy of the country. Early stages of the Green revolution boosted the agriculture sector but after 1973 negative growth rate of price margin in production of wheat increased. The per hectare yield of wheat rose at the rate of 0.58 percent per year. With reduction in return from the agriculture sector reduced profitability which frustrated farmers.
CONCLUSION
From the above discussion the political and economic conditions of Punjab could be Clearly understood. Rich farmers entered into politics which gave a new shape to politics of Punjab. Akali Dal got split into two parts. During initial years of Green revolution gave fabulous results but at the end it saw a huge disaster for farmers.
BOOK REFERENCE ( CLICK TO BUY )
The Sikhs of the Punjab (The New Cambridge History of India)