Karnal: Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait has expressed support for the Indian government and armed forces after clarifying remarks made by Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) president Naresh Tikait regarding the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan.
Earlier, Naresh Tikait had commented on the government’s decision following the terror attack in Pahalgam, saying, “This is a wrong decision. The treaty should have continued. We are against this. We are farmers, and every farmer needs water,” as quoted by ANI.
On the Indus Water Treaty, farmer leader Naresh Tikait says “This is a wrong decision. The treaty should have continued. We are against this. We are farmers and every farmer needs water.”
(file pic) pic.twitter.com/aF93oawRNp
— ANI (@ANI) April 28, 2025
His remarks drew sharp criticism from farmer groups aligned with the BJP, who accused Naresh Tikait of echoing sentiments favourable to Pakistan. “Prime Minister Modi has taken significant steps, including halting water flow to Pakistan. However, BKU President Naresh Tikait has criticised these moves, saying water should continue to flow to Pakistan for the sake of farmers. Naresh Tikait is now speaking Pakistan’s language. He should be ashamed and must apologise to the nation,” BJP Kisan Morcha President Rajkumar Chahar told ANI.
#WATCH | Haridwar | On farmer leader Naresh Tikait’s statement following Pahalgam terror attack, President of BJP Kisan Morcha, Rajkumar Chahar says, “PM Modi has taken many steps, including stopping water going to Pakistan. But BKU President Naresh Tikait has said that the steps… pic.twitter.com/UZdL7bknON
— ANI (@ANI) April 28, 2025
In an effort to address the backlash, BKU’s national spokesperson Rakesh Tikait clarified that Naresh Tikait’s statement was misinterpreted. “Many journalists were questioning him about the matter (Indus Water Treaty)… There was no such intention behind his remarks. We fully support the government and our forces. Tough decisions must be made, and we will stand firmly with them,” Rakesh Tikait said.
#WATCH | Haridwar | On farmer leader Naresh Tikait’s statement following Pahalgam terror attack, President of BJP Kisan Morcha, Rajkumar Chahar says, “PM Modi has taken many steps, including stopping water going to Pakistan. But BKU President Naresh Tikait has said that the steps… pic.twitter.com/UZdL7bknON
— ANI (@ANI) April 28, 2025
Following the Pahalgam terror attack, India officially suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty — a landmark agreement that had endured despite two wars between India and Pakistan. Notably, over 80 per cent of Pakistan’s agriculture and around one-third of its hydroelectric production rely heavily on the waters of the Indus River basin.
