When images of Bharatiya Kisan Union leader, Rakesh Tikait’s emotional outburst flooded TV channels, the ongoing farmers’ protest received a new lease of life.

Over time, Tikait has emerged as a key figure of the protest. With one call, he managed to mobilise farmers across western Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.

But while many of his supporters call him a hero, Rakesh Tikait has also had a controversial past.

The Wire explains who the BKU leader is and how he managed to reverse the course of the farmers’ protest.

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