Prominent farmer leader Mahendra Singh Tikait, who united farmers across North India, passed away on Sunday due to cancer.
According to family sources, Tikait, aged 76 and the president of the Bharatiya Kisan Union, had been suffering from bone cancer since last year. He took his last breath at the residence of his son, Rakesh Tikait, who is the General Secretary of the Bharatiya Kisan Union. Tikait is survived by four sons and two daughters. His wife had already passed away.
A large number of people are arriving to pay their final respects to their leader. Tikait's funeral will be held on Monday at the headquarters of the Bharatiya Kisan Union in Sisoli.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expressed his condolences on Tikait's passing, noting that he was a unique leader whose loss will be felt for many years.
He stated that Tikait's unwavering commitment to the welfare of farmers and rural India was profound and steadfast. His work had a tremendous impact across the country and inspired the creation of many other organizations dedicated to the farmers' cause.
Describing Tikait as a bold and fearless person, the Prime Minister mentioned that he adeptly handled political pressures throughout his life. His dedication, determination, courage, and simplicity made him an unparalleled leader.
In Lucknow, Chief Minister Mayawati said that Tikait dedicated his entire life working for and fighting for the farmers' interests. His efforts will always be remembered. JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav mentioned that the loss caused by Tikait's demise is irreplaceable.
In his message of condolence, Yadav said that Tikait was a symbol of relentless struggle against the exploitation of farmers. Preventing the ongoing land grabs in Uttar Pradesh would be a true tribute to him. Former BJP President Rajnath Singh said that Tikait devoted his life to the welfare of the farmers.
He added that Tikait was free from the stain of corruption and lived a simple life. We have lost a genuine friend of the farmers. Tikait, who fought lifelong for the farmers, recently expressed his concern over the land acquisition struggles and the ensuing clashes between farmers and police in Bhatta Parsaul, Uttar Pradesh, stating that he was not afraid of dying but regretted being bedridden during such critical times for farmers.
In 1986, farmers across Uttar Pradesh were stirred over issues like electricity, irrigation, and crop prices. On October 17 of the same year, a massive panchayat was held in Sisoli, attended by leaders, farmers, and their representatives from various communities. This panchayat announced the formation of the Bharatiya Kisan Union, with Tikait unanimously nominated as its national president. Tikait led several major movements against both state and central governments for farmers' rights.
In 1988, the Bharatiya Kisan Union organized a movement in Meerut demanding the cancellation of loans, reduction of water and electricity rates, and increased prices for sugarcane. That same year, to draw attention to the plight of farmers, Tikait also led a week-long protest at Delhi's Boat Club.
In 2008, Tikait was surrounded by controversy when he was arrested for making derogatory and casteist remarks against Mayawati and was later released on bail.
During his protests, Tikait faced arrests multiple times. The last arrest occurred in February 2000 when he was detained in Moradabad while on his way to organize a panchayat in Lucknow. Born in Sisoli, Muzaffarnagar, in 1935, into a Jat family, Tikait was given the leadership of Balyaan Khap at the tender age of eight.
