Tikait to be in Yavatmal, SKM seeks to hold kisan mahapanchayat again

THE SAMYUKTA Kisan Morcha (SKM), which was denied permission to hold its proposed ‘kisan mahapanchayat’ on February 20 in Yavatmal, has applied afresh for permission for holding the programme saying they would agree with terms and conditions required to be followed.

Sandip Gidde, Maharashtra coordinator of the SKM, told The Indian Express, “We were told that we can’t hold the proposed rally due to a surge in Covid-19 cases. But we are determined to hold it and have applied afresh to Yavatmal Superintendent of Police seeking permission with all restrictions required to be followed. We are ready to hold it even with two persons in attendance. But we will hold it all the same.” Gidde warned, “If they deny us permission again, then we will go ahead and hold a sit-in (thiyya) in front of the collector’s office,” adding, “hal chalane wala hath nahin jodega (one who holds the plow will not fold his hands).”

Gidde said, “Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait will be in Yavatmal as scheduled and will take part in the programme on February 20.”

Gidde added, “The MVA government should politicise the issue. Several such mahapanchayats have been held in states like UP, Rajasthan and Haryana. So, Maharashtra should also allow it when we are ready to follow all rules and regulations.”