Taking a U-turn from the Centre’s earlier stand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today announced that his government will withdraw three controversial agriculture laws. Addressing the nation on the occasion of Guru Parab Utsav, the PM said, “Apologizing to the nation, I want to say with a sincere and pure heart that perhaps there was some lack in our efforts that we could not explain the truth to some people. Our Farmer brother.”
As happy as the country is with this decision, it would not have been possible without the support of thousands of farmers and the support of the two leaders of the movement – Gurnam Singh Chaduni and Rakesh Tikait.
Here’s what you need to know about the two leaders:
Rakesh Tikait, National Spokesperson of Indian Farmers Association
Former Delhi Police constable Tikait has played an important role in negotiations with the government.
After the violent incident at the Red Fort on 26 January, when farmers’ unions feared the movement would fail, BKU leader Tikait continued to protest vigorously in his home region of western Uttar Pradesh. The 52-year-old leader organized a series of “kisan mahapanchayats” across the region to garner support for the cause.
On 28 January, when news broke that Uttar Pradesh officials were vacating a makeshift camp on the Delhi border, Tikait broke down in front of TV cameras, saying he would rather die than give up, striking a deep emotional chord. and will also pump new energy. against.
Even after the Prime Minister announced today, Tikait said his opposition to the ongoing anti-agriculture laws would be withdrawn only after Parliament repeals three controversial laws and a legal guarantee on the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops.
Tikait tweeted in Hindi, “Protest will not be withdrawn immediately, we will wait for the day when agriculture laws are repealed in Parliament. Along with MSP, the government should also talk to farmers on other issues.”
Gurnam Singh Chaduni, President, BKU, Haryana
Credited with organizing farmers before three agriculture laws were passed, 65-year-old Chaduni has previously led several successful movements and adopted unique methods of protest, including shirtless marches and pelting potatoes on state highways.
On September 10, 2020, Chaduni held the first meeting regarding agricultural laws in Pipli, Haryana. The next milestone came when the All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC), a coalition of over 200 farmer unions, called for a march towards Delhi on November 26-27.
It was on Chaduni’s call that the protesters tried to make their way into a BJP event in Karnal, which was attended by Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, among others. In the action that followed, many farmers were injured and the Khattar government was on the back foot.
(with inputs from agencies)
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