By IANS,
New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has condoled the death Sunday of Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) founder Mahendra Singh Tikait, decribing him as a “fiercely independent man” whose work had a powerful influence across the country.Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar also condoled Tikait’s demise.
“Chaudhary Tikait’s commitment to the welfare of farmers and to rural India was deep and unswerving. His work was a powerful influence across the country and inspired the formation of many other organisations devoted to the cause of farmers,” the prime minister said in his condolence message to Tikait’s eldest son Naresh Pal Tikait.
“Chaudhary Tikait was a fiercely independent man who resisted the pull of politics all his life. His work, his courage of conviction and his simplicity made him a unique leader who will be deeply missed in the years ahead,” he added.
The prime minister prayed for peace of the departed soul and offered his condolences to Tikait’s family, friends and followers.
In his condolence message, Pawar said that interests of the farming community were close to the heart of the “popular kisan leader and he always stood with the farmers on all issues concerning them”.
“We will be deprived of his valuable advice and views on matters relating to agriculture,” Pawar said.