Farmers’ body criticises BJP for not extending state honours to ex-Guv

Bhartiya Kisan Union (Charuni) on Monday criticised the BJP government for not extending state honours to former Governor Satyapal Malik, and paid tributes to him at the Jagadhri grain market.

BKU (Charuni) chief Gurnam Singh said: “Malik was Governor, and held various other senior positions during his life. During the farmers’ agitation, he tried to persuade the government, but, after his advice was not accepted, he started speaking in support of farmers, following which his posts were taken back by the government.”

He alleged that the former Governor was not even provided proper treatment after he fell ill, and was also not accorded state honours during his cremation, only because he extended support to farmers.

“He raised his voice against the wrong policies of the BJP while holding the post of Governor,” the BKU chief said. “Since the government paid no respect, we decided that farmers would pay respect to Malik. There is a lot of resentment among farmers and other sections of society in this regard.”

BKU (Charuni) Yamunanagar district chief Sanju Gundiana said if the government failed to give due respect to Malik, farmers would organise prayer meetings at the district level and protest against the government.

The BKU set to hold a meeting to pay tributes to Malik in Delhi on September 14, in which several other farmer organisations are expected to participate.