The 2020-2021 Indian farmers' protest concluded with the repeal of three controversial agricultural laws, a movement spearheaded by the Bharatiya Kisan Union. Rakesh Tikait emerged as the national spokesperson for this organization, coordinating a massive challenge to government policy that culminated in the successful removal of the legislation by the Indian Parliament on 29 November 2021.
Early Life and Education
Born on 4 June 1969 in Sisauli, Uttar Pradesh, Tikait is the son of Mahendra Singh Tikait, a co-founder of the Bharatiya Kisan Union. His family connection to agricultural activism remains significant, with his eldest brother, Naresh Tikait, serving as the current National President of the Bharatiya Kisan Union. He pursued his higher education at Chaudhary Charan Singh University in Meerut, where he earned an M.A. degree and subsequently completed an LLB program.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Transition from Law Enforcement to Activism
Before committing to full-time political and agricultural advocacy, Tikait served in the Delhi Police. He joined the force in 1992, initially working as a constable before rising to the rank of Sub Inspector. His tenure in law enforcement was brief, as he resigned between 1993 and 1994. Following his departure from the police service, he transitioned into the agricultural movement, eventually assuming a formal spokesperson role within the Bharatiya Kisan Union.
Electoral Contests
Tikait has pursued political office through various affiliations without achieving electoral success. In 2007, he contested a seat in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections for the Khatauli constituency as a candidate for the Bahujan Kisan Dal, finishing in sixth place. He later represented the Rashtriya Lok Dal during the 2014 Indian general election, standing as a candidate for the Amroha Lok Sabha constituency.
Policy Advocacy and Protest Leadership
Beyond local elections, Tikait managed national-level agricultural mobilization. In 2018, he led the Kisan Kranti Yatra, traveling from Haridwar to Delhi. During the 2020-2021 farmers' protests, he lobbied for the legal recognition of the Minimum Support Price. He argued that the government farm bills would effectively dismantle the mandi system. Following public disorder in the capital on 26 January 2021, the Delhi Police initiated an FIR against him regarding his involvement in those events.
Fast facts
- Born: 4 June 1969
- Birthplace: Sisauli, Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh
- Nationality: Indian
- Education: Chaudhary Charan Singh University
- Political Affiliation: Bharatiya Kisan Union
- Former Occupation: Delhi Police Sub Inspector
Questions readers ask
What was the primary goal of the 2020-2021 farmers' protests led by Rakesh Tikait?
The protest demanded the repeal of three farm bills and the establishment of Minimum Support Price as a guaranteed legal right.
Did Rakesh Tikait ever hold political office?
No. While he contested the 2007 UP Assembly elections and the 2014 Indian general election, he did not win either seat.
Achievements
- Affiliated with Bharatiya Kisan Union
- Educated at Chaudhary Charan Singh University