This is gun-tantra, says Tikait

Sitting at home, guarded by members of the Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU), veteran farmer leader and BKU chief Mahendra Singh Tikait called Mayawati’s gantantra (republic) rifle-tantra.

Speaking to HT the leader once christened Kukkewala Gandhi of western UP, Tikait criticised Mayawati for unleashing a reign of terror against her rivals.

Woh to zabaan bhi hillane nahi deti (She does not even allow anyone to speak openly), Tikait said. He added that if Mayawati had an objection to his remarks, it could have been sorted out peacefully. Yeh to tanashahi hai (This is nothing but dictatorship), he said.

The BKU leader said Mulayam Singh Yadav had called him and BJP chief Rajnath Singh sent senior leader Hukum Singh to assure the party's support to him in his fight against Mayawati's 'misrule'. Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) chief Ajit Singh has also said he will visit Sisauli, Tikait said.

Tikait has called a panchayat to discuss the situation. "People are contacting me and the panchayat will decide the future course of action," said Tikait.