Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait on Monday lent the support of his organisation to the farmers’ agitation in Bihar’s Buxar and gave a one-month ultimatum to the state government to resolve the issue.

Tikait also asserted that the farmers’ issue would be taken to Delhi to ensure that their demands were met.

The farmers are demanding proper compensation for the land acquired by the Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN) for its 1320MW thermal power plant in Buxar.

“The land of farmers is being looted by the government without proper compensation and consent. They are taking away their livelihood and not giving them any employment in return. If you do not pay proper compensation, you cannot take the land. We will take this fight of our brothers to Delhi,” Tikait said while addressing a public meeting at Buxar.

He stressed that the government, administration and police were beating women, girls and children with sticks without even considering the unfortunate condition of the farmers.

Tikait added that chief minister Nitish Kumar might have left the National Democratic Alliance and formed a new government, but “what will be its use and impact if he does not uplift the farmers? The condition of farmers is the same in Bihar and other parts of the country.”

He blamed the state government for neglecting the farmers to such an extent that they went on to become labourers in other states.

Tikait had arrived in Buxar on a short visit to spend some time with the farmers and assure help for them.

He asked the farmers not to get disheartened and pointed out that no agitation happens without lathicharge, tear gas and blood of the people.