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Include MSP guarantee in Cong manifesto for LS polls: Tikait tells RG
Tikait said that he raised the issues of apple farmers and cement factories which were closed in Himachal Pradesh after formation of Congress government in the state
BKU leader Rakesh Tikait along with other farmer leaders met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during his Bharat Jodo Yatra in Ambala and sought help in ensuring solution to farmers’ problem in Congress-ruled states.
Tikait also demanded inclusion of MSP guarantee in party’s manifesto for forthcoming Lok Sabha election.
Tikait told HT over phone that the meeting of farmer leaders was held at Shahbad Anaaj Mandi, Ambala in Haryana on Monday evening.
He also walked with Rahul Gandhi in the Yatra along with BKU leader Yudhveer Singh and Swaraj Party leader Yogendra Yadav.
Tikait said that he raised the issues of apple farmers and cement factories which were closed in Himachal Pradesh after formation of Congress government in the state. He also raised issues of farmers’ movement in Chhattisgarh.
Tikait said he also discussed issue of MSP guarantee to farmers and that it should be in the Congress manifesto.
Tikait said that Gandhi gave a patient hearing to farmers’ concerns and assured that Congress government will help resolve their issues. “On the issue of MSP, he (Rahul) reiterated that it would be discussed at appropriate platform in the party. He also said welfare of farmers would be accorded priority,” Tikait said.
Tikait said he urged Gandhi to reinstate the 2013 land acquisition act if Congress comes into power at the Centre.
BKU had extended a covert support to Bharat Jodo Yatra when it moved through western UP. Tikait didn’t participate in the Yatra in the region but he said he had allowed BKU activists to welcome the Yatra. BKU president Naresh Tikait also wrote a letter to Rahul Gandhi extending his good wishes to the Yatra.
Caption: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi meets Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) National Spokesperson Rakesh Tikait during an interaction with the food providers following the Congress’ Bharat Jodo Yatra, on Monday.
ANI Photo
