Rakesh Tikait: Farmers to Celebrate Diwali at Protest Sites in Delhi

Rakesh Tikait, the leader of the Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) said that thousands of farmers protesting against the Centre’s three agriculture bills will celebrate Diwali at protest locations in Delhi.

Even after months of protests, the BKU leader claimed that the Centre is not listening to their demand to abolish the three farm laws. Tikait also warned that the farmers' protests against agriculture laws will continue. He, on the other hand, stated that they are not putting any roadblocks in the government's way.

"Farmers are eager to find a way out through discussions, but the government is unwilling and is in fact the one throwing up obstacles." Takait said, attacking the Centre.

The BKU leader also claimed that farmers cultivating potatoes and bajra are not receiving the minimum support price, which has enraged the agriculture community.

Tikait made these demands after paying a visit to the family of Arun Narwar, who was reportedly murdered in police custody in Agra, Uttar Pradesh and demanding Rs.40 lakh in compensation and a government job for his relatives.

He told reporters after meeting with Narwar's family members, "When it comes to compensation, the state government is discriminatory. In Lakhimpur Kheri and Kanpur, compensation of Rs.40-45 lakh was paid, while in Agra, compensation of Rs.10 lakh was offered." 

"Arun's family should also be compensated with Rs.40 lakh by the state government. The government should not have made any distinctions "he stated.

He further demanded that a member of Narwar's family be given a government post and that a judicial investigation into his death be conducted. Narwar was suspected of stealing Rs.25 lakh from the Jagdishpura police station and died in police custody on October 19 when his health deteriorated during interrogation, officials claimed.

Tikait took aim at the BJP administration over farm laws "In the forthcoming assembly election, I would advise farmers not to vote for the BJP.

In the state assembly elections, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha will run against the BJP."

"We will not field candidates in the assembly election or support any political party," he added.