Garhwal Post Bureau
Haridwar, 20 Jul: Bharatiya Kisan Union’s national spokesperson Rakesh Tikait today described the lathicharge at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar as unfortunate. Tikait was in Haridwar today, to participate in the Mahapanchayat of Van Gujjars and express solidarity with them. Speaking informally with media persons here today, Tikait claimed that when the voices fail to reach the government, movements become inevitable. He also extended support to Sonam Wangchuk’s fast, observing that when a ruler is benevolent, hunger strikes may suffice, but when a ruler turns authoritarian only mass movements can yield results. He asserted that those fighting for their rights in Delhi faced a lathi charge today but such incidents only strengthen and ensure the success of movements.
Tikait also made a striking claim regarding Uttarakhand’s assembly elections, asserting that the polls in Uttarakhand may be held ahead of schedule in November or December this year instead of 2027. He also claimed that the ruling party is planning some manipulation in the election process. He was in Haridwar’s Shyampur Kangri to attend a mahapanchayat organised by BKU. On his arrival at Bahadrabad toll plaza, a large number of farmers welcomed him with garlands. Addressing the gathering, he said the mahapanchayat has been convened to safeguard the rights of Van Gujjars. He also expressed concern over deforestation in the Rishikesh region. He emphasised that the Union would fight firmly for the rights of Van Gujjars and forest dwellers, ensuring that their entitlements are not violated at any cost.
Tikait reiterated that the lathi charge on students protesting at Jantar Mantar is deeply regrettable, condemning the use of force against those fighting for their rights. He remarked that movements become stronger and more successful when faced with such repression. On the issue of Vande Mataram, he said that anyone living in this country should have no difficulty in saying it, as it is a matter of national honour and patriotism.
On the forthcoming Kanwar Yatra, Tikait appealed to the administration to ensure that devotees arriving in Haridwar are not subjected to misbehaviour or jostling, stressing that Haridwar is a centre of faith and must be treated with respect. He urged the authorities to adopt a cooperative approach towards pilgrims. He also appealed to devotees not to carry excessively heavy kanwars, pointing out that this causes unnecessary hardship, and insisted that the pilgrimage should be completed peacefully and harmoniously.
