Fissures emerge in farm unions over Tikait remark

A rift among farmer unions has come to light following controversial remarks by Samyukt Kisan Morcha (All India) leader Rakesh Tikait during a “Kisan Mahapanchayat” held at Tohana in Haryana on Saturday.

Tikait’s comments have sparked a backlash, deepening divisions within the farmers’ movement. Tikait reportedly criticised leaders of the Khanauri morcha for allegedly failing to engage in discussion with other farmer unions.

He alleged the Central Government was trying to create divisions among farm unions by deliberately allowing prolonged protests at Khanauri and Shambhu, besides fostering negative sentiments against the Sikh community.

Tikait’s remarks came amid two simultaneous “mahapanchayats” held just 30 km apart — one at Tohana, organised by the SKM (All India); and the other at Khanauri by the SKM (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM).

Sarwan Singh Pandher, coordinator of the SKM (Non-Political) and the KMM, condemned Tikait’s remarks as “unfortunate and unwarranted”.

“We are engaging in talks with the SKM (All India) and seeking unity. Leaders like Tikait should avoid divisive comments. Moreover, this is not about caste or community. The ruling dispensation is targeting all those opposing the government policies,” Pandher said.

Farm leader Kaka Singh Kotra downplayed the impact of the parallel protest at Tohana. “Why react to Tikait’s comments? The massive turnout at Khanauri has shown where the people’s support lies,” he said.

Farm leader Guramneet Singh Mangat termed Tikait’s comments as unfortunate. “Nearly 34 farmers have lost their lives in the current protest spanning nearly 11 months, including 22-year-old Shubhkaran Singh who was shot dead. Additionally, 500 farmers have been injured and 70-year-old farmer Jagjit Singh Dallewal was on indefinite fast for the past 40 days. These sacrifices show the strength of our cause,” Mangat added.

Amid the brewing discord, farm leader Dallewal urged supporters to gather in large numbers at Khanauri to bolster the agitation.