The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), an umbrella body of more than 40 farmer unions, on Thursday, suspended political activist Yogendra Yadav because he visited the residence of a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) worker who lost his life during the Lakhimpur violence.
To talk about this and many more issues journalist Anurag Sason has an in-depth conversation with the national president of Swaraj India political party Mr Yogendra Yadav.
Here are important excerpts from the exclusive interview. Scroll down to watch complete interview.
Q1) You are suspended for a month by SKM. Please tell us something about it and your reaction.
Yogendra Yadav: After paying homage to farmers (who died during Lakhimpur violence) while returning I visited the residence of Shubham Mishra BJP worker who died during the violence. For me, it was a normal thing, part of my sanskar. However, when you are a part of a very big group like SKM then your action affects that very organisation.
For my action, the organisation has collectively given me a punishment and I totally respect the decision.
For me, this morcha is bigger than my personal likings and dislikings. Earlier also I was working for the cause and even now I will work for it.
Q2) How do you see the Lakhimpur incident?
Yogendra Yadav: I think the basic thing is farmers were murdered there. It was a broad daylight murder and raises questions on the law and order situation in our country. Only cosmetic actions are taken till now.
Q3) Modi government is not ready to talk, farmers are not ready to end protest against New Farm Laws. So what is the way out?
Yogendra Yadav: Well, the way out lies with the prime minister. Farmers have clearly said that they are ready to talk; the prime minister is not ready to communicate. Farmers have clearly said that they are not ready to accept the “gift” (New Farm Laws) given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. But the PM is adamant to give the “gift”.
Q4) What is the future course of action of Swaraj India, your political party?
Yogendra Yadav: It is formed for alternative politics and farmers are one of the constituencies on which we are working on and we will continue to do that.
Q5) In recent years, you are one of the few politicians who have seriously raised the problems of farmers. Now, this movement has become so big. How do you see your contribution?
Yogendra Yadav: Look I don’t claim to be the first one. Talking about farmers and farmers’ plight have been a long tradition in this country. The great thing about the current situation is that after a long time farmers have come on the political agenda of the country and are being heard which was unthinkable.
This movement has already achieved three achievements:
1) Farmers have got the self-respect
2) Farmers have realised their political stature
3) A sense of unity has developed among the farmers
Q6) You are also a psephologist. What do you think will happen in UP Polls 2022?
Yogendra Yadav: Earlier I used to tell the future but now I create it. Now, I have left psephology on people like you. All I want to say is that the wrongs which this Yogi Adityanath government has done with the farmers, it must be punished for that.
Q7) It seems that farmers will play a major role in forming the government UP Polls 2022. Akhilesh Yadav’s Samajwadi Party and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s Congress Party both are supporting farmers. Which party will farmers support in UP Polls 2022?
Yogendra Yadav: For me, it is irrelevant who is forming government in the state. For me, what is important is who will pull the strings of those who are at the centre of power. Kursi ki lagam kisano ke hath mein honi chahiye.
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About the author: Anurag Sason is journalist with more than 9 years of experience in mainstream journalism. He has worked in newspaper, news agency, TV, news app (short video sharing app) and digital media. He tweets at @AnuragSason
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