Scuffle with Rakesh Tikait During Anti-Terror Rally Sparks Controversy in Muzaffarnagar

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A major controversy erupted in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, after an alleged scuffle involving Rakesh Tikait, the national spokesperson of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), during an anti-terrorism rally on Friday. During the incident, Tikait’s turban was knocked off—an act considered highly disrespectful in the Jat community. He has described the incident as a deliberate conspiracy and accused certain political parties of involvement.

What Happened at the Rally?

Tikait was attending a protest rally in Muzaffarnagar, organized to condemn a recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. According to him, the event was coordinated by some right-wing groups. He alleged that a few individuals in an intoxicated state blocked his path and misbehaved, leading to a physical altercation. In the chaos, his turban fell off. Tikait claimed the attackers behaved as though they were “trained for a specific mission.”

Tikait’s Statement: “Who Can Be a Bigger Hindu Than Us?”

In a press briefing after the incident, Tikait expressed strong displeasure. “Some people were drunk and trying to protest. It seemed like a well-planned conspiracy,” he said. Defending his stance, Tikait remarked, “When it comes to being Hindu, who is more devoted than us?” He further alleged that the incident was an attempt to tarnish his image and weaken the farmers’ movement.

BKU Calls for Emergency Meeting

Following the incident, BKU president Naresh Tikait announced an emergency community meeting at the GIC ground in Muzaffarnagar. He claimed the attack was politically motivated and aimed at silencing the voices of farmers. The agenda of the meeting will be to decide the organization’s next steps.

Mixed Reactions on Social Media

The incident triggered a flurry of reactions on social media, especially on platform X (formerly Twitter). While some users supported Tikait, others criticized him and called the event a staged drama. One user wrote, “Tikait dropped his turban on purpose—his fake movement is fading.” Another commented, “Where was he during the riots? He always uses the Jat identity to gain sympathy.”

Will This Affect the Farmer Movement?

Tikait has been a prominent figure in the farmers’ protests, particularly during the 2021 demonstrations on Delhi’s borders. In response to the Muzaffarnagar incident, BKU has now announced a tractor march in protest of the Pahalgam terror attack. However, some believe this recent episode might create divisions within the farmer community.

Background: The Pahalgam Terror Attack

The rally where the incident occurred was held in protest of a recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, where 26 people—mostly tourists—lost their lives. Tikait strongly condemned the attack and reiterated his commitment to stand for national interests.

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