BKU chief backs SP-RLD, calls polls a test for khaps
Item
Title
BKU chief backs SP-RLD, calls polls a test for khaps
Description
MEERUT: Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) chief Naresh Tikait extended his support to the Rashtriya Lok Dal-Samajwadi Party (RLD-SP) alliance, setting the pitch for various khaps to follow suit. "Bhai, aap logan te pariksha ki ghadi hai. Gathbandhan te safal banana hai (Brothers, we have to make the alliance successful, this is the challenge before us)," he said to a crowd of supporters in Sambhal. He added, "Do whatever you can to make the alliance win." His statements were captured in a video that has now gone viral. Asked about it, Tikait told TOI on Sunday: "Yes, I did request people to support the alliance. The sentiment is against BJP and there is no doubt about it." His comments came a few weeks after his younger brother Rakesh Tikait said that the organisation would not support any party in the UP polls. With Tikait pitching for an RLD-SP alliance, khaps in west UP are expected to be influenced by this call to vote. It was because of the prodding of khaps that thousands either joined farmers or helped them with food and shelter during the year-long stir against the now-shelved farm laws. After Tikait, several khaps became vocal about their support for the alliance as well.
Publisher
The Times of India
Date
2022-01-17