LLB, Police Constable to Farmers Movement … Life journey of Rakesh Tikait

Farmers protesting against the Agriculture Act are trying to give a different twist to the agitation after the violence in the ‘Tractor Rally’ held in the capital Delhi on the Republic Day. Thousands of farmers are still standing on the Delhi border, saying they have nothing to do with the violence in Delhi. Attempts were made by the administration in several places to disperse the protesters in the last two days. However, a video of Rakesh Tikait, president of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), burst into tears, went viral through media and social media, and once again a single crowd of farmers protested on the Delhi border. The farmers, who have been protesting peacefully for the last two months, were disappointed after the Delhi violence, but thousands joined Muzaffarpur’s ‘Shetkari Mahapanchayat’ after Rakesh Tikait’s appeal. So this movement has got a new energy. On the other hand, a new challenge is facing the administration.

Farmer Fight: Father’s Legacy

In the last few days, farmer leader Rakesh Tikait has become an important face of the movement. In fact, Rakesh Tikait’s father Mahendra Singh Tikait was known as a farmer leader. Rakesh Tikait has got the support of such a large number of farmers as his legacy. The Tikait family has been fighting for farmers’ rights and justice for the last several decades.

Private life and law education

In 1985, Rakesh Tikait was married to Sunita of Dadri village in Baghpat district. The Rakesh-Sunita couple has two sons and a daughter. All three children are busy with their families. Rakesh Tikait has completed his post graduate education. After completing his MA from Meerut University, he completed his LLB and also studied law.

Jobs as a police constable

Rakesh Tikait was working as a constable in the police force in 1992. However, he was greatly influenced by his father. Mahendra Singh Tikait was the leader of the farmers’ movement which started at Red Fort in 1993-94. Rakesh Tikait also joined his father in this movement. Attempts were made by the government to put an end to the agitation. Then Rakesh Tikait quit his government job and decided to stand with the farmers.

Brother Naresh Tikait President of the Farmers Association

Rakesh Tikait’s father Mahendra Tikait had died of cancer. After the death of Mahendra Tikait, his eldest son Naresh Tikait was appointed as the President of the Indian Farmers Union. According to the rules of Balian Khap Panchayat, the eldest son is considered the president after the death of the father. Although Naresh Tikait is the president of the farmers ‘association, Rakesh Tikait has taken the real responsibility of the fight for farmers’ rights on his shoulders. Many decisions regarding the movement are made by Rakesh Tikait. Rakesh Tikait is the National Spokesperson of the Indian Farmers Union.

44 times in prison

Rakesh Tikait has had to go to jail many times while fighting the battle of farmers. He has been jailed 44 times so far. Rakesh Tikait had to spend 39 days in jail during the ongoing agitation in Madhya Pradesh.

Sugarcane was burnt outside the Parliament building

At the same time, Rakesh Tikait had agitated outside the Parliament House for sugarcane price hike. At this time, Rakesh Tikait had burnt sugarcane outside the Parliament building. He was later rushed to Tihar Jail. In addition, Rakesh Tikait has played an important role in many farmers’ agitations so far.

Opportunity in Lok Sabha elections

In 2014, Rashtriya Lok Dal president Ajit Singh had given a ticket to Rakesh Tikait from Uttar Pradesh’s Amroha Lok Sabha constituency. Tikait had to accept defeat in this election. Remarkably, Ajit Singh also supported Rakesh Tikait by appealing to the farmers to remain united in this agitation.