Chhavi Bhatia

New Delhi—Disquiet for Haryana deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala has intensified with uproar for his resignation in solidarity with farmers increasing on social media too. The young politician is already facing the heat from his MLAs for his stoic silence on the farmers’ protest that has swelled into a mass movement.

Farmers who form lion’s share of Chautala’s votebank, are making their displeasure heard on social media through hashtags demanding him to step down. Hashtags like ‘Dushyant, Kisan Ya Kursi’(Dushyant, power or farmer) are questioning his stance over the matter, with farmers and support groups aiming to trend the hashtag in a bid to mount pressure on him. The hashtag is being used widely on Instagram and Twitter. Farmers feel they have been let down by Chautala whose Jannayak Janata Party(JJP) fashions itself as champions of farmers. “He is the great grandson of Chaudhary Devi Lal who always put our interests ahead of his. Chautala and his entire family seek votes in his name. But look at him now! He just wants to safeguard his position (of deputy CM),” complains Bhoop Singh, a farmer from Mehem, traditional support base of the family. “He should have stepped down the daythe  Khattar government brutally assaulted peaceful farmers. If he continues to cling to his chair, he will be in no position to ask for votes from us next time. We will boycott the Chautalas forever,” an indignant Rajbir Sihag from Handi Khera village in Sirsa says.

JJP with its 10 legislators helped BJP form a government in Haryana in 2019. Two JJP MLAs including Jogi Ram Sihag have announced categorical support to farmers who are demanding repealing of the new farm laws. Chautala’s younger brother Digvijay too is siding with the farmers, repeatedly asking the government to address their concerns.