Bhartiya Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait protested the Uttar Pradesh government's decision to ban the use of tractor trolleys for public transportation, claiming that the measure was an effort to restrict farmer movement since tractors are their preferred means of transportation.
As reported, Tikait has now announced a mahapanchayat opposing the government’s move to ban tractor-trolleys. He referred to the action as "dictatorial," and he claimed that its purpose was to prevent farmers from traveling to "dharna" locations.
The Kanpur tractor-trolley accident claimed 26 lives when the tractor overturned and fell into a pond, which led to the government making the decision of banning the use of tractor-trolley and restricted the use of the vehicle for agriculture-related work and transportation of goods only.
In the wake of this incident, Tikait announced a mahapanchayat that will be held in Shamli, and the presented protestors will be using tractor-trolleys. Adding to this he stated that the Bhartiya Kisan Union would protest against any such ban.
He also mentioned how tractor-trolleys are the lifeline of rural people and considered as the primary medium of transportation in rural areas.
As reported, he expressed his grief for the Kanpur incident and said it was unfortunate but that should not be the reason for banning vehicles in the state as it will affect the livelihood of the tractor-trolley owners.
