WATCH | Rakesh Tikait, Other Farmer Leaders Fall As Stage Collapses During ‘Kisan Mahapanchayat’

A video of Tikait and the other farmers’ leaders falling off the stage later went viral on social media. The ‘Kisan Mahapanchayat’ was organized to discuss the future course of action in the wake of the ongoing protests against the three farm laws.

Rakesh Tikait | PTI

New Delhi: Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait had a narrow escape along with other farmer union leaders on Wednesday as the stage on which they were standing collapsed during the ‘Kisan Mahapanchayat’ at Kandela village sports stadium in Haryana's Jind district.

A video of Tikait and the other farmers’ leaders falling off the stage later went viral on social media. The ‘Kisan Mahapanchayat’ was organized to discuss the future course of action in the wake of the ongoing protests against the three farm laws.

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Kandela 'khap' chief Tek Ram said the resolution demanded the government ensure the farmers get Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their crops besides demanding the repeal of farm laws, IAANS reports.

Ram, the organiser of the 'Kisan Mahapanchayat', further said the resolution also demanded waiving off the loan of the farmers and withdrawal of cases against the farmers booked for violence during the Tractor Rally in the national capital on Republic Day.

Tikait had last week said the farmers’ union is ready to hold talks with the Central Government but on the condition that those arrested should be released. 

Accepting that the violence during the rally was wrong and must be investigated, Tikait said: “Narendra Modi is our PM too, we have also voted for him. We are ready to talk to the Centre but on the condition that those who have been arrested be released.” 

“What happened on Republic Day is wrong and officials must probe the Red Fort incident and find out who helped protesters there,” he added.

Delhi Police have registered a total of 38 FIRs in connection with the incident besides issuing notices to over 13 farmer leaders and activists spearheading the agitation.

The farmer leaders have been booked under relevant IPC sections including charges of attempt to murder, punishment for rioting and assault to deter public servant from discharge of duty besides violating the terms and conditions set for the rally.