Download the all-new Republic app:

Published 14:51 IST, February 12th 2021

Farmers' protest: Rakesh Tikait to hold Kisan Mahapanchayat in Yavatmal on February 20

BKU leader Rakesh Tikait will hold a ''Kisan Mahapanchayat'' and a public rally in Maharashtra's Yavatmal district on February 20, an office-bearer of SMK said

Reported by: Gloria Methri
Follow: Google News Icon
  • share
null | Image: self
Advertisement

Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait will hold a ''Kisan Mahapanchayat'' and a public rally in Maharashtra's Yavatmal district on February 20, an office-bearer of Sanyukt Kisan Morcha said on Friday. Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) is an umbrella body of 40 farmer unions protesting at various border points of Delhi against Centre's three farm laws.

The Maharashtra co-ordinator of SKM, Sandip Gidde informed that Tikait, Yudveer Singh and several other leaders of the organisation will hold the Kisan Mahapanchayat and public meeting at Azad Maidan in Yavatmal city on February 20.

Advertisement

"Tikait wants to start the Kisan Mahapanchayat in Maharashtra from Yavatmal, which has earned the dubious distinction of being the hotspot of farmers' suicides," he said.

Farmers from Vidarbha and other parts of Maharashtra are likely to participate in the Kisan Mahapanchayat, for which permission has been sought from the authorities. 

Advertisement

READ | Rakesh Tikait Points 'PM Didn't Say Will Make Law On MSP'; vows To Continue Stir Till Oct 2

'Kisan Mahapanchayat' at Kurukshetra

On February 9, Tikait addressed a well-attended 'Kisan Mahapanchayat' at Kurukshetra, which was the third meeting within a week in Haryana. During his address, Tikait criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Andolan-jeevi' (professional protestors) remarks and asked if people like great freedom fighter Bhagat Singh were included in that category.

Advertisement

Tikait also alleged that attempts were being made to divide the protesting farmers into the lines of region and other considerations, and appealed them to reject any such design. "They will try to divide you into Punjab-Haryana lines, as Sikh and non-Sikh, Hindus and Muslims..," he alleged.

READ | Won't Allow Biz Over Hunger; Need Law On MSP: Rakesh Tikait

Advertisement

The farmers' agitation against the Centre's farm laws is nationwide and not limited to Punjab or Haryana. We will win this fight, he declared.

Thousands of farmers have been protesting against the three farm sector reform laws enacted by the Centre in September last year. The Centre has been saying these laws will bring in new farming technologies and free the farmers from the clutches of middlemen. The farmers have been rejecting these claims, saying these laws will harm their interest. 

READ | Punjabi Singer Babbu Maan Meets Rakesh Tikait At Ghazipur Stir; Wants To Debate Film Stars

READ | No 'Ghar Wapsi' Till Farmers' Demands Are Met: Rakesh Tikait

14:51 IST, February 12th 2021