The rise and rise of Rakesh Tikait

The BKU leader’s access to the administration and intervention at key events of the protest has led to speculation of support

In thestand-off between farmers and the Uttar Pradesh government, the role of Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader has come under the scanner. While a section is praising his practical approach in preventing a tricky situation from spiralling out of control and keeping the farmers’ movement on track, others feel he agreed for too little, too soon and appeared like a BJP agent after the incident that resulted in nine deaths, including that of four Sikh farmers.

However, there is no doubt that post-Sunday, Mr. Tikait has strengthened his image as the sole leader of farmers in the region and that the ruling dispensation is fuelling his ambition. Observers say the BJP government has added a few more metres to the long rope that it has given to the BKU since January when broke down in public at the Ghazipur border protest site.