As the fast leading to the death of Punjab farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal entered the 21st day, Samyukta Kisan Morcha leader Rakesh Tikait called for unity among farmer groups for a common struggle, saying: “Batoge to Lutoge.”
The slogan 'Batoge to Lutoge' (those who do not unite will be defeated) is in line with Yogi Adityanath's election slogan“Batoge to Katoge”. Amid calls for unity, Tikait also expressed concern over Dallewal's health.
Tikait, who met Dallewal in Khanauri last week, reiterated the importance of farmer groups sticking together for a common struggle in support of their demands, saying: “If you do not unite, you will be defeated; Everyone must stay united.”
Dallewal, a 70-year-old cancer patient, has been fasting unto death since November 26 at Khanauri border point between Punjab and Haryana.
He wants the Center to accept farmers' demands, including a legal guarantee on the minimum support price (MSP) for crops.
Why Tikait gave this “Batoge to Lutoge” Slogan?
Farmers under the banners of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha are leading the 'Delhi Chalo' march and have been camping at Shambhu and Khanauri border points since February 13 after their march to the capital was blocked by police.
Tikait believes that unless all farmer groups work together and formulate a strategy, individual organizations, whether from Punjab, Rajasthan or Uttar Pradesh, calling for a 'Delhi Chalo' march will not achieve the desired results.
When Tikait was asked last week whether all the organizations that had formed the SKM during the agitation against the now repealed farm laws should come together to fight effectively for farmers' rights, he replied: “We have formed a committee that will communicate with these groups,” adding that a strategy for future action is being developed.
Protesting farmers staged a tractor march today
Earlier today, farmers in Haryana staged tractor marches in support of farmers protesting at Khanauri and Shambhu border points and expressed concern over Dallewal's health.
The tractor march was announced by farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher on Saturday while a 'Rail Roko' protest is scheduled to take place in Punjab on December 18 from 12pm to 3pm.
Pandher on Sunday said he had written to the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), asking them to join the farmers protesting at the Punjab-Haryana border over various demands, including a legal guarantee of MSP for crops.
“We have written a letter to our fellow farmers and are expecting a positive response from them,” he added.
When asked about the letter, Tikait, also national spokesperson of the Bharatiya Kisan Union, said: “We have been advocating for all groups to come together and discuss for the last six to 10 months.”
(With PTI inputs)
