I have no political ambition: Rakesh Tikait

The farmers’ movement has given us a platform to reach out to different social classes and foster amity, says BKU chief

Poll pundits are keeping a keen eye on which way the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) may tilt in the upcoming Assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh. In an interview with The Hindu, Rakesh Tikait, national spokesperson of the BKU, categorically stated that the BKU would remain apolitical and that he had no political ambitions. “We are farmers and are not into politics. Those who will work for their interests, farmers will elect them on their own,” he said.

There are indications that the U.P. government would increase the State Advisory Price (SAP) of sugarcane soon. Mr. Tikait said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would “try to distract farmers before the polls”. “The party promised the rate of ₹370 [per quintal] before the 2017 polls. Even if they increase the SAP after four years, the party has a lot to answer. Considering inflation, farmers would not settle for less than ₹425 [per quintal],” he said.