AGRA: In a statement that surprised many, BKU general secretary Yudhvir Singh on Monday said the farmers’ outfit was ‘not against BJP’ and people of Uttar Pradesh were free to choose anyone in the upcoming panchayat polls.
Bharatiya Kisan Union has been opposing the ruling party over the contentious agriculture laws and held several mahapanchayats in UP — and in West Bengal during campaigning for the assembly elections in that state — asking people to boycott the BJP.
Rakesh told TOI: “Where does the question of backing or not backing BJP arise? It is an election based on individual personality.” Yudhvir Singh also said, “People inclined to different political ideologies are supporting us. We have not issued any directions for panchayat elections. Farmers are free to take their own decisions. We will not interfere in panchayat elections.”