Latest news with #Tikait
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Language-based disputes are unjustified: Tikait
Prayagraj: Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait, during his visit to Prayagraj, alleged that govt-backed elements are intentionally provoking disputes during the kanwar yatra to incite Hindu-Muslim tensions. He expressed concern over the deteriorating safety of Muslims. Tikait also criticized caste-based labels in hotels, advocating instead for clear signboards indicating vegetarian or non-vegetarian food. On the Mumbai language controversy, he said Mumbai welcomes people from across India, and language-based disputes are unjustified. Regarding Bihar elections , he claimed honest polls favor the opposition, but biased administration may tilt results. tnn
India Gazette
07-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Kanwar Yatra: Rakesh Tikait slams identity campaign, urges for peace and reasonable solutions
Muzaffarnagar (Uttar Pradesh) [India], July 7 (ANI): The Kanwar Yatra is set to commence on July 10. Amid the preparations, controversy has erupted over an alleged 'identity campaign' being run by certain organisations along the yatra route, prompting national spokesperson of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), Rakesh Tikait, to issue a statement from his residence in Muzaffarnagar. The campaign, which reportedly involves identifying people and businesses based on religious identity, took a serious turn after an incident in Haridwar, where a Muslim family was allegedly attacked and their vehicle vandalised on the Kanwar route. Reacting to the rising communal tension, Tikait stated, 'Running an identity campaign is wrong. Instead of targeting people, we should adopt a clear and peaceful approach.' He suggested a practical solution to avoid confusion and conflict during the pilgrimage, veg hotels should use green boards, while non-veg eateries and hotels should use red. According to him, this colour-coded system is already in place in Maharashtra's Nagpur and helps prevent disputes. Tikait emphasised that the Kanwar Yatra is a sacred event and should remain peaceful. He recalled that Naresh Tikait, a senior BKU leader, had earlier appealed for the Yatra to be conducted with restraint, asking for limits on the height and sound of DJ processions, which have become a modern-day feature of the pilgrimage. However, Tikait noted that even such suggestions for peace are met with resistance. 'Today, anyone who speaks about peace is branded a traitor,' he said sarcastically, pointing to how Naresh Tikait's earlier remarks were misrepresented and led to uproar. He also brought up a tragic incident from last year when a soldier was beaten to death during a competitive 'Dak Kanwar' procession, highlighting the dangers of unchecked rivalry during the Yatra. Tikait warned against turning the pilgrimage into a platform for caste-based slogans and provocations. 'If DJ Kanwars don't shout casteist slogans, what's the fun? If DJ trucks don't get caught in overhead power lines, what's the fun?' he said mockingly. Addressing the controversy around nameplates, Tikait underlined that businesses along the Kanwar route should indicate their offerings -- veg or non-veg -- through colour-coded boards rather than be drawn into religious or caste-based identity politics. He called on the administration to take strict action against anyone taking the law into their own hands and urged communities to continue serving Kanwar pilgrims with unity and devotion, regardless of caste or religion. 'We have always been in service of the Kanwar pilgrims, organising large community meals and support. But sometimes, even those efforts face backlash,' he said. Rakesh Tikait's statement comes as a reminder of the importance of communal harmony and responsible conduct during one of India's largest religious pilgrimages. (ANI)
Time of India
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Tikait warns govt against forcible land acquisition
Buxar: Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait, who arrived here on Saturday to attend Kisan Sabha held in support of the farmers affected by the thermal power plant located at Chausa in the district, warned the govt that any attempt to snatch the land of the farmers will not be tolerated. Addressing the gathering, Tikait alleged that there is a conspiracy to grab the land of farmers under the guise of various projects, adding a movement would be launched against forcible acquisition of land. He alleged the govt wants the people of Bihar to leave their land, become workers, so that they migrate to other states. He said that land acquisition should be done in a transparent manner and by giving proper compensation. A large number of farmer leaders and villagers attended the programme. The farmers raised slogans against the govt and vowed to intensify their struggle. RJD MP from Buxar, Sudhakar Singh, who also participated in the meeting, said the govt's land acquisition policy is completely against farmers.
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Banke Bihari corridor gets support from farmer unions
Agra: Several farm unions and organisations on Friday extended their support to the proposed Banke Bihari Corridor in Mathura's Vrindavan, amid ongoing protests against it. They believe the project would benefit lakhs of pilgrims who visit the temple regularly. Buddha Singh Pradhan, senior state vice president of BKU (Tikait), said, "All social organisations and unions have come together as a united front before the district magistrate to deliver a message regarding the corridor issue related to the temple of Bihari Maharaj in Vrindavan. Our purpose is to convey that the construction of this corridor will bring immense benefits and development to Mathura-Vrindavan. It will be advantageous not only for Mathura district, but also for the entire Braj region and the devotees and servants of Lord Banke Bihari. " He added, "This initiative will open many avenues for progress. Some people, driven by personal interests, are opposing this project. We want to send a message to them: consider the greater good and recognise that Lord Banke Bihari belongs to all of us. Where there is collective benefit, it should be embraced by all. This corridor aligns with cultural heritage, the sanctity of traditions, and the preservation of Indian culture. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Therefore, on behalf of the United Front and all farmer organisations, I affirm our support for the construction of the corridor." Besides BKU (Tikait), several other farm union leaders, including Praveen Bhaskar, national vice president of BKU (Sunil), and Vipin Kumar, president of Shaheed Bhagat Singh oganisation, and representatives of other unions, met the Mathura DM CP Singh at the Collectorate and submitted a letter of support for the Banke Bihari Corridor. Meanwhile, residents and members of the Goswami community, whose members are considered the temple's 'sevayats' -- hereditary priests who manage daily rituals and other temple affairs, continued their protest on Friday. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Rakesh Tikait accuses govt of attempting to break SKM by fueling water dispute between Haryana and Punjab
Rakesh Tikait ROHTAK: Popular farmer leader and national spokesperson of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), Rakesh Tikait , on Tuesday accused the govt of deliberately trying to create discord between Haryana and Punjab by reigniting the inter-state water dispute. He claimed it is part of a larger conspiracy to weaken the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) — the unified platform of farmers' unions. During his visit to Samsapur village in Charkhi Dadri district today to pay tribute to Martyr Manoj Phogat, Tikait offered floral respects and expressed solidarity with the bereaved family. 'A martyr's family is the nation's family,' he said, urging the govt to extend wholehearted support and compensation to the soldier's family. Tikait expressed concern over escalating rhetoric from both Haryana and Punjab farmers regarding the water issue. He alleged that the issue, which is primarily political and legal in nature, is being intentionally stirred to provoke conflict between farmers of the two states. 'The goal is clear — to ensure that Haryana and Punjab do not remain united,' Tikait said. He stressed that farmers must remain restrained and avoid falling into the trap. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo 'This is a long-standing issue and needs to be addressed legally and politically, not emotionally. Farmers should focus on maintaining unity.' Highlighting internal efforts to destabilise farmer organisations, Tikait warned, 'The govt is continuously working to divide farmer unions. They are trying to break the backbone of SKM.' He reiterated that all farmer organisations are currently united, and if required, they will not hesitate to launch another major movement.
