‘Batoge to Lutoge’: Rakesh Tikait’s Call for Farmer’s Unity
Rakesh Tikait, the leader of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), has issued a powerful rallying cry for farmer unity, coining the slogan “Batoge to Lutoge” (If you don’t unite, you will be defeated). His remarks come as Jagjit Singh Dallewal, a prominent Punjab farmer leader, continues his fast-unto-death for the 21st consecutive day at the Khanauri border between Punjab and Haryana.
The 70-year-old cancer patient is demanding that the central government provide a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) on crops, a key issue that has united farmers across states. Dallewal’s deteriorating health has become a focal point for farmers’ protests, with calls for collective action intensifying.
The Importance of Farmer Unity
Tikait’s slogan draws parallels to Yogi Adityanath’s political mantra, “Batoge to Katoge,” underscoring the need for solidarity among farmer groups. During his visit to Khanauri, Tikait stressed that fragmented efforts—whether in Punjab, Rajasthan, or Uttar Pradesh—will fail to achieve meaningful outcomes.
To strengthen coordination, Tikait announced the formation of a committee to communicate with various farmer organizations. He reiterated the importance of unified strategies for addressing farmers’ concerns, particularly legal guarantees for MSP.
Protests Intensify Across Borders
Farmer groups under banners such as SKM (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have been leading the “Delhi Chalo” march but faced roadblocks by police at the Punjab-Haryana borders. Protesting farmers also organized a tractor march in Haryana, while Sarwan Singh Pandher announced a ‘rail roko’ protest in Punjab on December 18.
Pandher urged other farmer organizations to unite, stating, “We have written to our fellow farmers and expect a positive response.”
A Unified Fight for Farmers’ Rights
Tikait has long been advocating for collaboration among farmer groups, emphasizing that only a united front can secure long-term solutions, including the MSP guarantee. As the protest gains momentum, Tikait’s “Batoge to Lutoge” slogan serves as a stark reminder of the importance of solidarity in achieving shared goals.
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