A Left-backed protest march by 30,000 farmers against the alleged failure of the BJP-led government to address agrarian distress reached Bhiwandi on Saturday.
The farmers are all set to press for their various demands, including a complete loan-waiver.
The march led by All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) began on Tuesday from Nashik and it will reach Mumbai on Sunday.
The farmers plan to stage a protest outside the legislative assembly on March 12 (Monday), demanding fair remuneration for their produce and loan-waiver. The protesters intend to encircle (gherao) the Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha to protest the Maharashtra government’s alleged failure to fulfil their promises.
Some of the demands put up by the farmers include a complete waiver of loans and power bills, and implementation of the Swaminathan Commission recommendations.
“We also want the state government to refrain from forceful acquisition of farm lands in the name of development projects like the super highway and the bullet train,” AIKS secretary Raju Desle earlier said.
He accused the Centre and the state government of adopting “anti-farmer” policies.
The farmers had begun the 180-km-long march on Tuesday from the CBS chowk in Central Nashik.
(With agency inputs)