BKU chief Joginder Singh Ugrahan positive, hospitalised

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, March 20

Bhartiya Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) state president Joginder Singh Ugrahan has tested positive for Covid-19 and admitted to a private hospital in Bathinda.

Ugrahan complained of breathlessness and uneasiness following which he was admitted to the hospital on March 17. Doctors said Ugrahan had responded well to the treatment and his condition was stable.

Septuagenarian Joginder Singh Ugrahan, originally a native of Ugrahan village in Sangrur district, is a tall farm union leader who has been spearheading the farmers’ agitation for the repeal of three agricultural laws at the Delhi border for almost four months now. He calls the shots when it comes to key decision-making with regard to holding meetings and devising strategy to strengthen and taking forward the farmers’ agitation.

Gursewak Singh, manager, Nivaran Hospital, said: “Joginder Singh Ugrahan was admitted to the hospital on March 17 after he complained of breathlessness and fever. Later, he was tested positive for Covid-19. He is in the isolation ward now. He has recovered well and is likely to be discharged from here in three to four days.”

Shingara Singh Mann, president, BKU (Ekta Ugrahan) Bathinda, said, “The absence of a leader of Joginder Ugrahan’s stature does make a difference, but on the whole it will not impact the agitation. Ugrahan has been attending meetings and holding rallies in the state since March 12. He is scheduled to return to Tikri after March 23. Once he fully recovers, he will rejoin the agitation.”

Ugrahan, in a video shot from the hospital bed, said: “I was unwell and later tested positive for Covid-19. Now my condition is improving and I am feeling better. I will be discharged from the hospital shortly and will rejoin the agitation soon.”