Vibha Sharma
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, January 14 

Amid growing criticism from farmers, including his organisation, Ex-MP Bhupinder Singh Mann recused himself from the 4-member committee constituted by the Supreme Court to address concerns over new farm laws.

S. Bhupinder Singh Mann Ex MP and National President of BKU and Chairman of All India Kisan Coordination Committee has recused himself from the 4 member committee constituted by Hon’ble Supreme Court pic.twitter.com/pHZhKXcVdT

— Bhartiya Kisan Union (@BKU_KisanUnion) January 14, 2021

Mann is the national president of BKU and chairman of All India Kisan Coordination Committee.

In a letter to the SC, Mann said as a farmer leader and union leader, because of the “prevailing sentiments and apprehensions amongst the farm unions and public in general, I am ready to sacrifice any position offered or given to me as to not compromise the interests of Punjab and farmers in the country, I am recusing myself from the committee and I will always stand with my farmers and Punjab.”

Not just other farmer unions, his own union had distanced itself from Mann, who, after his appointment to the Committee, urged everyone to put forward their views before the panel. 

BKU leader Rakesh Tikait welcomed the decision and invited Mann to join the farmers’ movement.