Bharatiya Kisan Union chief Mahendra Singh Tikait on Wednesday admitted that his caste-based remarks against Mayawati were a “mistake” and later surrendered at a court in Bijnore. He has reportedly been granted bail and was in Bijnore when reports last came in.

Sources said that after his climbdown, his sons and supporters booked under various offences were likely to be treated more sympathetically. They say that the settlement has been to the benefit of both sides—while Tikait’s supporters in Sisauli could be satisfied that he could not be arrested from the village, Mayawati was able to send a strong signal to the Dalit constituency that even Tikait was made to bow when it came to his using a caste slur.

Since early on Wednesday, there were indications that the farmers’ leader would surrender, with Tikait trying to convince supporters at the Kisan Bhawan that there was no need to risk bloodshed to avoid arrest. “I have a clear message from the police that there are only 4-5 hours left before they launch another operation. If you are sure that you want to stand by me, let me go and hand myself over. If the Government plays any tricks, I know that you are always there,” he said. While some of the younger supporters remained restive, many elders persuaded them to let the law take its own course.

Apparently, pressure had been mounting on Tikait for the past two days. His son, Rakesh Tikait, who had been arrested, had reportedly been convincing him to surrender.

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