Farmers Movement Archive

Thousands throng to see ‘rasam pagdi’ ceremony of new RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary

Meerut: Thousands of people, mostly from the influential Jat community of western Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday gathered in Baghpat to witness the ‘rasam pagdi’ ceremony of Jayant Chaudhary, as he formally stepped into the shoes of his father and former RLD chief Ajit Singh. Performed after over four months of former Union minster’s death, the ceremony saw participation of heads of at least 36 khaps and chief of Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) Naresh Tikait. In parts of northern India, ‘rasam pagdi’ ceremony is held to pass on the responsibility of the family or that of the clan to the eldest surviving member, after the death of an elder. During this event, the family member is tied a turban -- signifying honour -- in presence of the members of the family or the clan. Sanjay Kalkhande, head of Kalkhande Khap, said, “After the death of Chaudhary Ajit Singh, this legacy has been handed over to his son, Jayant Chaudhary, who is also the president of RLD. The khap members and his kin tied turban on his head. From now on, Jayant Chaudhary will be called Bade Chaudhary.” The event was also seen as a “show of strength” by RLD ahead of assembly elections in the state. The programme was also attended by Gathwal Khap, which had distanced itself from the recent mahapanchayat held in Muzaffarnagar. “I will continue to ensure that Hindus and Muslims are united in western UP,” Jayant said while addressing the gathering. Choking with emotions, Jayant assured the crowd that he will work “just like his father”. “I will try to fulfill all the responsibilities given to me by all of you. Your support will act as a shield for me,” said Jayant, who added that carrying forward the legacy of his grandfather -- Chaudhary Charan Singh -- and father was not easy. “The most important thing for me is to maintain the Hindu-Muslim brotherhood. I will try my best that they are united,” he added. Later, BKU chief Naresh Tikait said, “We will support Jayant in all possible ways. The elections in 2022 will be fought for farmers.”

The Times of India

2021-09-20

Meerut