Farmers Movement Archive

Not against BJP, people free to vote their choice in UP rural polls: BKU

Agra: In a statement that surprised many, BKU general secretary Yudhvir Singh on Monday said the farmers' outfit was "not against BJP” and people of Uttar Pradesh were free to choose anyone in the upcoming panchayat polls. Bharatiya Kisan Union has been opposing the ruling party over the contentious agriculture laws and held several mahapanchayats in UP -- and in West Bengal during campaigning for the assembly elections in that state -- asking people to boycott the BJP. Top leaders of the BKU, including Rakesh and Naresh Tikait, were silent when asked about Yudhvir Singh's statement. Rakesh told TOI: “Where does the question of backing or not backing BJP arise? It is an election based on individual personality.” Yudhvir Singh also said, “People inclined to different political ideologies are supporting us. We have not issued any directions for panchayat elections. Farmers are free to take their own decisions. We will not interfere in panchayat elections.” Another senior BKU leader Rajveer Singh Jadon said, “We have no plan to support or oppose any party in the panchayat election. Farmers should vote for candidates they like. We are not a political party.” Jadon, who is the outfit’s UP chief, added, “Our focus is on strengthening the farmers' protest. We will not back off till the central government withdraws the three farm laws and provides the legal guarantee for MSP. We will continue to oppose anti-farmer policies of the BJP government.” The local leadership of the outfit, meanwhile, was perplexed with the stand taken by the outfit as this has come even as cadres and the second rung leadership have continued to hold meetings and are campaigning against the BJP on the ground. “We don’t know why the leadership is suddenly so reluctant in opposing BJP in the panchayat elections. But we are reaching out to farmers and asking them to support non-BJP candidates having winning prospects,” a senior BKU worker told TOI.

The Times of India

2021-04-13

Agra