Rakesh And Naresh Tikait Expelled From BKU, Accused Of Playing Politics

In addition to Rakesh Tikait, his brother Naresh Tikait has been ousted as BKU's National President.

Rakesh Tikait. (Source: Getty Images)

New Delhi: In a major event, the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) expelled its fiery leader Rakesh Tikait, the face of the Farmers' Protest in 2020, on Sunday, news agency IANS reported.

In addition to Rakesh Tikait, his brother Naresh Tikait has been ousted as BKU's National President. Farmers have accused the Tikaits of "playing politics" and "acting in the interests of a political party."

The Bharatiya Kisan Union (@OfficialBKU) has split with a breakaway group, claiming to be the 'real' organisation, appointing #RajeshChauhan as the new chief. pic.twitter.com/W1qGt4KnS5

— IANS (@ians_india) May 15, 2022

With the downfall of the Tikaits, the organization that had spearheaded and led the farmers' protest against the three Farm Laws for almost a year has been split into two parts.

Farmer leader Rajesh Singh Chauhan has been selected as the next BKU (Apolitical) chief, succeeding Naresh Tikait.

During a news conference on Saturday, Chauhan stated that a lot of hard work had gone into forming the united Bhartiya Kisan Union, which was formed to protect farmers' interests.

However, the Tikaits' organisation was becoming a 'political zone.' The leader declared the foundation of a new group, 'Bhartiya Kisan Union (Apolitical),' stating that the farmers' body will not work for any 'political party'.

"We are an apolitical organisation and will remain so," BKU (A) chief was quoted by IANS in its report.

(With Inputs From IANS)