Farmers Movement Archive

Will observe Diwali at Delhi border, says Rakesh Tikait

Bijnor: Bharatiya Kisan Union's (BKU) national spokesperson, Rakesh Tikait, while attending a 'mahapanchayat' in Uttar Pradesh's Amroha on Saturday said that the BJP government had neither agreed to enact a law on the minimum support price (MSP) for crops nor revoke the three controversial farm laws, and so the agitation would go on. "We will observe Diwali at the (Delhi-UP) border. It is going to be a 'black' Diwali for farmers," he added. On the recent talk of removal of barricades from the Ghazipur border, Tikait said, "Barricades are not going anywhere. It is all a lie. The movement is still going on." Taking a swipe at the ruling BJP, Tikait said, "We will provide medicine to BJP in the upcoming assembly polls as we had earlier done in West Bengal. It is a dangerous party. We will canvass against BJP if they don't listen to us. We are not with any political party, but against the BJP." Speaking at the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) sponsored 'mahapanchayat' at Joya in Amroha district, Tikait raised farmer's grievances and other pressing issues. The BKU leader said, "Farmers and youngsters of India are both ruined. Prices for crops have not been hiked. Sugarcane dues are still pending. Unseasonal rainfall has destroyed paddy, vegetables, mustard and many other crops. In addition, young people are jobless." Tikait also questioned the RSS and asked, "Is it necessary to have a RSS certificate to be a Hindu in this country? There are two types of Hindus in India. Rakesh Tikait calls himself a Hindu without a certificate." On Shahrukh Khan's son Aryan Khan's case, the farm union leader said no action has been taken against those who are bringing illegal substances in large quantities into the country. A purported audio of "farmers from America" was also played out in front of the large gathering during the 'mahapanchayat'. "Now, America's farmers are also standing with us," Tikait claimed.

The Times of India

2021-10-31

Meerut