Mumbai painted red as thousands of protesting farmers assemble
Thousands of farmers from across Maharashtra have congregated in Mumbai to press for various demands. Most of them had started on a 'Long March' from Nashik on March 6. A delegation is scheduled to meet CM Devendra Fadnavis at the Vidhan Sabha at 2pm. Thereafter they will decide whether to gherao the assembly. The BJP has faced criticism for 'inefficient' handling of the matter.
What are the farmers protesting for?
Among others, the farmers have been demanding an unconditional loan waiver, fair prices for their produce, and transfer of forest land to tribal farmers, who have been tilling it since years. The Maharashtra government announced a waiver of Rs. 4,000cr under the first phase of its farm loan waiver scheme last year. But many complained that despite assurances, the benefits haven't reached them effectively.
A view of the JJ flyover
Agitators expecting around 1L farmers to arrive by noon
Farmers carrying red flags camped at the KJ Somaiya Ground in Sionas yesterday and reached the Azad Maidan early today. Taking the lead was the CPI(M)-affiliated All India Kisan Sabha. Many had been walking barefoot and suffered injuries, dehydration and heat strokes. Food and medicines were distributed. There was heavy deployment of police in and around South Mumbai. Riot Control Force was also deployed.
Traffic movement to remain normal, tweets Mumbai Police
Various parties including Shiv Sena and RSS back movement
Most political parties have come out in support of the farmers, including the opposition, BJP's ally Shiv Sena as well as RSS. MNS chief Raj Thackeray met the agitators yesterday along with Shiv Sena's Aaditya Thackeray. "No government can be insensitive on the questions related to farmers," said RSS General Secretary Bhaiyyaji Joshi. Congress and NCP have also backed the movement.
Govt forms six-member committee to examine farmers' demands
The government has assured that it is positive on the demands of the farmers. Giriraj Mahajan, the CM's representative, said 80-90% of their wants will be fulfilled. A six-member committee has been formed to look into the farmers' issues. However, Fadnavis claimed in the assembly that 95% protesters are tribals and "technically" not farmers. Agitators accused the government of trying to "discredit" the protest.
