Will Rakesh Tikait Succeed in Indian Politics?
There has been significant controversy and debate surrounding Rakesh Tikait, the leader of the Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU). BKU is a non-political entity, which means that even though it has garnered substantial support, Tikait cannot directly use this support for electoral purposes. Any attempt to participate in elections would be a personal decision, not a decision made by the union itself.
The support for Rakesh Tikait is primarily based on the activities of the BKU, especially among the farmer community. However, if Tikait decides to run for office, he faces significant challenges, particularly when considering the strategies and resources of the ruling party, led by Narendra Modi.
The Modi-Led Opposition
Emerging political challenges do not arise merely from the lack of capabilities. The opposition, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is known for its aggressive tactics. For instance, prior to the 2019 elections, there was a reported attack on the Indian Army, which Mr. Modi had to address. If his ego gets hurt, the political landscape could change drastically, impacting the prospects of any potential challenger, including Tikait.
Further complicating matters is the support base of Prime Minister Modi. A significant portion of the Indian population, approximately 1/3rd, supports him. Many within this group are deeply influenced by the rhetoric and policies promoted by Modi, making it formidable for any opposition candidate to gain traction.
Questionable Allegations
A debate has emerged over Rakesh Tikait's ability to succeed in Indian politics, particularly given his background and the nature of the support he receives. Many argue that the support for Tikait is primarily a result of the BKU's activities, which focus on supportive efforts rather than electoral campaigning. On the other hand, some contend that Prime Minister Modi has strong, genuine support from voters who rely heavily on his leadership and communication.
Some critics go as far as to question the legitimacy of Tikait's support, suggesting it comes from 'brainwashed' farmers. However, it is worth noting that Rakesh Tikait himself has a diverse set of business interests and assets, including land, petrol pumps, showrooms, brick kilns, and other ventures. According to reports, he holds assets in four states (Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, and Maharashtra) and 13 cities including Muzaffarnagar, Lalitpur, Jhansi, Lakhimpur Kheri, Bijnor, Badaun, Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Dehradun, Roorkee, Haridwar, and Mumbai. His younger daughter, Jyoti Tikait, even participated in rallies in Melbourne to support Indian farmer protests.
Assessing His Success
The question of whether Rakesh Tikait can succeed in Indian politics is a complex one. While his net worth is approximately 80 crores (around 100 million USD), individual success can be a different matter. The manner in which support translates into electoral success is far from guaranteed. If we consider the political climate and the determined push for the implementation of farm laws by the current government, it seems unlikely that Tikait or any similar opposition figures would be successful in overturning these policies.
The government's firm commitment to these laws, and the lack of backtracking or significant modifications, suggests that this issue is not a priority for them. The government's decision reflects a belief that it has the support of the populace to push through these measures, regardless of the opposition's efforts.
Conclusion
While Rakesh Tikait has demonstrated individual success through his significant net worth and diverse business interests, translating this into electoral success in the highly competitive Indian political landscape remains to be seen. The political situation, the support base of the ruling party, and the policies in question all play crucial roles in determining the future of any political movement or individual in Indian politics.
Given the current dynamics and the government's stance, it is challenging to predict a successful outcome for Tikait in his political endeavors. Nevertheless, the debate and support he generates among the farming community and wider population reflect the ongoing struggle to address farm-related issues in India.